Heating Device with Dual-Side Piping for Direct Cascade Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating devices for larger buildings with high heat requirements face installation difficulties due to extensive piping, particularly in lower basements, as traditional cascade units occupy significant space.

Innovation Solution

The heater design includes two pairs of accessible flow and return connections on opposite sides of the housing, allowing for direct connection of multiple heaters as a cascade unit without additional connection sets, enabling easy installation and operation as either individual or combined units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional cascade units with connection sets and cascade modules are used, then heating capacity for larger buildings is achieved, but installation space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into modular heating units that can be independently installed and connected. Each unit contains its own flow guide and connections, allowing them to be segmented and distributed across different locations rather than requiring a centralized cascade module, thus reducing the concentrated installation space while maintaining total heating capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection architecture transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (requiring significant vertical space in basements) to a horizontal/linear arrangement where units can be connected in sequence along a heating circuit. This dimensional change allows installation in spaces with limited vertical clearance while preserving the cascade functionality for larger heating demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive piping and connection sets are used for cascade units, then multiple heating units can be connected, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecascade connection capabilityVSAvoidpiping and connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each heating unit is equipped with universal flow and return connections that can serve dual purposes: connecting to the building's main heating circuit and connecting to another heating unit in the cascade. This eliminates the need for separate connection sets and cascade modules, as each unit universally provides both heating functionality and connection functionality, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the separate connection sets and cascade modules from the traditional cascade unit design. By integrating the connection functionality directly into each heating unit's housing, the patent removes these additional components, simplifying the overall piping structure and reducing installation complexity while preserving cascade connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If duplicate flow and return connections are provided on opposite sides of housing, then direct cascade connection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidhousing manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow and return connections are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the housing rather than symmetrically on the same side. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the piping layout for cascade connections, allowing pipes to enter and exit the housing in a straightforward manner that simplifies both installation and manufacturing, as the connection points are strategically placed to minimize piping complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design reduces installation complexity and space requirements, allowing for efficient and flexible connection of multiple heaters, enhancing installation ease and operational flexibility while maintaining effective heat distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a flow guide (in particular piping and a heat exchanger with a burner) for a heat transfer medium (generally water) that can be heated by the heating appliance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a flow guide (in particular piping and a heat exchanger with a burner) for a heat transfer medium (generally water) that can be heated by the heating appliance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

By means of a heating circuit pump integrated into the flow path of the heating unit or into the aforementioned heating circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3067629B1Heating device with piping system
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 VIESSMANN GRP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3067629B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a heater, comprising a housing (1) in which a flow guide (2) for a heat transfer medium that can be heated with the heater is arranged, the flow guide (2) being provided on the one hand with a flow connection (3.1) and on the other hand with a return connection (4.1 ) is hydraulically connected. According to the invention, the flow guide (2) is also hydraulically connected to an additional flow connection (3.2) on the one hand and to an additional return flow connection (4.2) on the other hand.