Heating Device Packaging Using Consumable Copper Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging solutions for heaters are inefficient in terms of material usage, require significant effort for procurement and disposal, and lack sustainability, especially for larger devices that cannot be simply packaged with cardboard due to weight and volume constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of consumable materials integrated into the packaging as both supporting and filling elements, such as copper pipes and insulation elements, which also serve as edge protection and can be used for installation, reducing the need for additional packaging materials and allowing decentralized positioning for enhanced structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging materials (wood, plastic, cardboard) are used for heater transport, then the packaging provides sufficient stability and protection, but it requires significant effort for material procurement, packaging process, and disposal, and generates additional waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the packaging function with installation consumables by integrating tubes into the packaging structure. These tubes serve dual purposes: they provide structural support and stability during transport, and they are subsequently used as installation components (e.g., for mounting the heater or connecting flues). This merging eliminates the need for separate packaging materials and reduces disposal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging tubes are designed to perform multiple functions: they act as load-bearing structural elements during transport, provide protection for the heater, and serve as installation consumables (such as mounting tubes or connection pipes) after delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the installation process.
2Device complexity
If reusable plastic packaging parts are used for large-volume devices, then additional filler elements are not required, but the packaging must be specifically adapted and manufactured for each device, resulting in very high overall costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard tubes that are already part of the heater's installation consumables. These universal components can be used across different heater models and applications, eliminating the need for custom-manufactured packaging parts. The same tubes serve both as packaging structural elements and as installation components, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure utilizes components (tubes) that are self-provided as part of the heater's installation kit. No separate packaging materials need to be procured or manufactured specifically for packaging purposes. The installation consumables themselves provide the packaging function, making the system self-sufficient.
3Strength
If the heater weight and volume exceed approximately 100 kg and 1.0 m3, then simple cardboard packaging is insufficient, but complex packaging solutions increase material usage and disposal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packaging structural elements with installation consumables. The tubes integrated into the packaging provide the necessary load-bearing capacity for heavy and large heaters, while simultaneously serving as installation components. This eliminates the need for additional filler elements and reduces packaging waste.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding packaging materials after use, the patent recovers value by designing the packaging tubes to be reused as installation consumables. The tubes that provide structural support during transport are the same tubes used for mounting or connecting the heater during installation, eliminating waste and reducing material loss.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to packaging (2) for a heating device (1) for transporting the heating device (1) to the installation site. This packaging comprises at least load-bearing elements and/or filling elements, wherein the load-bearing elements and/or the filling elements are formed from consumables for the installation of the heating device (1), and wherein at least one tube (8) of the packaging (2) is configured as consumable material to support at least one edge of the packaging (2). Furthermore, a heating device (1) and the use of consumables are proposed.