Domestic heating unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating units lack compactness and efficient control over heating power, making it difficult to adapt to varying volume flows and maintain consistent flow temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A compact heating unit with a plastic housing and a heating flange that includes independently controllable first and second pipe radiators, allowing for precise electrical power control in 1 kW steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a compact heating unit design is implemented, then the device size is reduced, but the heating power control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating unit sizeVSAvoidheating power control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is divided into multiple independent heating zones (first heating elements and second heating elements) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows precise control of total heating power by selectively activating different zones, maintaining control precision while enabling compact integration of multiple heating functions in a single unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating elements with different powers are used, then the heating output adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating output adjustabilityVSAvoidheating element configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different heating zones are designed with different power outputs (first heating elements with first heating power, second heating elements with second heating power greater than the first) to match different heating demands. This local quality differentiation provides versatile heating output adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized modular heating element design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables a high degree of adjustability in heating output, allowing for efficient heating of varying volume flows while maintaining consistent flow temperatures, with a compact design that supports high electrical power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a bare wire heating unit can be used to heat the water flowing through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4542130A1Domestic heating unit
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 STIEBEL ELTRON GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4542130A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542130A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542130A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A domestic appliance heating unit (100) is provided, which has a plastic housing (110) with an inlet (111), an outlet (112) and an open upper end (114), and a heating flange (200) which can be inserted into the plastic housing (110) through the open upper end (114) and can be fastened in or on the open end (114) of the plastic housing (110) by means of a locking ring (120).