Heating Device Water Exchange Control Based on Contamination Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating devices lack an efficient mechanism to automatically detect and respond to the degree of contamination in central heating water, leading to potential failures, early or late water replacement, and reduced user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A heating device with an integrated control unit and sensor system that monitors the degree of contamination, automatically triggering water exchange when it exceeds a predefined limit, using solenoid valves for draining and filling, and providing user alerts and service information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual water replacement is used in heating systems, then installation is simple, but operation complexity increases and reliability decreases due to contamination detection issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating system operation reliabilityVSAvoidwater exchange control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system performs water exchange automatically based on contamination detection by the control unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system monitors itself and executes water replacement when contamination thresholds are exceeded, making the system self-maintaining and improving reliability without requiring complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors heating water quality parameters and uses this feedback to automatically trigger water exchange operations when contamination exceeds predefined thresholds. This closed-loop control ensures the system responds appropriately to actual water conditions, maintaining reliability while keeping the control system manageable through rule-based automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If water exchange is performed frequently to ensure cleanliness, then water quality improves, but energy consumption and water loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating water contamination levelVSAvoidenergy consumption during water exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors heating water quality parameters and only triggers water exchange when contamination exceeds predefined thresholds. This feedback-based approach prevents unnecessary water exchanges, reducing energy consumption and water loss while maintaining acceptable water quality levels through condition-based maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state of the heating system based on water quality parameters. By monitoring contamination levels and triggering water exchange only when parameters exceed thresholds, the system optimizes the balance between water cleanliness and resource consumption, avoiding both premature and delayed water replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures reliable, error-free operation, avoids premature or delayed water replacement, enhances user comfort, and maintains low pollution levels by adapting to contamination levels, ensuring efficient and convenient maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor unit (20) which is provided for detecting the degree of soiling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The control unit (18) is provided for actuating the water exchange unit (16) depending on the degree of contamination of the heating water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

a water exchange unit (16) which is intended to replace the heating water in the heating circuit (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic displacement: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3260795B1Heating device
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 BOSCH TERMOTEKNIK ISITMA VE KILMA SAN TIC AS
  • EP3260795B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3260795B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3260795B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is based on a heater device (10), in particular a combination boiler device, with at least one internal heating circuit (12), which is intended to form part of a central heating circuit (14) for circulating heating water in at least one connected state, and with at least one Water exchange unit (16) which is provided to at least partially empty the central heating circuit (14) as required and to at least partially fill it with fresh water as required. It is proposed that the heater device (10) has a control unit (18) which is intended to actuate the water exchange unit (16) depending on the degree of contamination of the heating water.