Frame-Free Heating Unit Housing With Insulation-Based Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices require a frame or frame components for the primary heat exchanger, leading to increased production and assembly costs due to the need for multiple components and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of insulating means with resilient strips that prestress against the housing corners to stiffen the housing from the inside, eliminating the need for a separate frame by directly fixing and supporting the primary heat exchanger and other components, which are connected via feet or integral insulating means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a frame or frame components are provided for the primary heat exchanger, then the structural support and component fixation are ensured, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame function with the thermal insulation housing by integrating stiffening elements directly into the housing structure. The housing walls include internal stiffening ribs and corrugated sections that provide frame-like support without requiring separate frame components, thus merging the support function into the existing housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation, structural support, and component fixation. The stiffening elements within the housing walls provide mechanical strength while the housing itself serves as the mounting structure for the primary heat exchanger and other components, eliminating the need for dedicated frame components.
2Strength
If a frame or frame components are provided for the primary heat exchanger, then the structural support and component fixation are ensured, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame function is merged into the thermal insulation housing, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps, thereby lowering production and assembly costs while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate frame component is extracted from the design and its function is redistributed into the housing structure itself through stiffening elements. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble a distinct frame, reducing production complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the housing walls are made thin to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the housing rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The housing walls are designed with varying local thickness and stiffness characteristics. Thin-walled sections are used where structural demand is low, while stiffening ribs, corrugated sections, and reinforced areas are strategically placed to provide additional rigidity where needed, allowing thin walls overall while maintaining necessary structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates corrugated sections and curved stiffening ribs that provide structural rigidity through geometric shaping. These curved and ribbed structures increase the moment of inertia and bending resistance of the thin walls without requiring additional material, maintaining rigidity while keeping the housing walls thin.
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 simplifies the construction of the heating device by reducing the number of components and assembly steps, enhancing rigidity and thermal insulation while minimizing production and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
resilient strips (16) which, when assembled, press under prestress against the corners of the housing, thereby ensuring that the lateral insulating means (5, 6) stiffen the combination of the housing walls (17-20) from the inside in a form-fitting manner
Implementation Method 2
resilient strips (16) which, when assembled, press under prestress against the corners of the housing
Implementation Method 3
a heating device has to be equipped with insulating means for thermal insulation
Implementation Method 4
the primary heat exchanger (4) is very heavy and is held by three feet (3) in this example, which support the primary heat exchanger (4) against the base plate (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating device for heating a building and/or hot water, comprising a primary heat exchanger (4), a burner, auxiliary units (8, 9, 14, 15). The primary heat exchanger (4) is connected to the base plate (1) by a support means (2, 3). Lateral insulating means (5, 6) insulate the primary heat exchanger (4) laterally and possibly on the top side, a lower insulating means (2) insulates the primary heat exchanger (4) on the underside. The insulating means (2, 5, 6) have receptacles (7, 10, 13) for accommodating ancillary units (8, 9, 14, 15) and, if necessary, holders (11), so that the ancillary units can be separated from the insulating means (2, 5, 6) and, if necessary, holders (11) are fixed. The housing walls (17, 18, 20) are connected to one another to form a composite which is reinforced by the insulating means (1, 5, 6).