Hot water apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water apparatuses face challenges in securing the attachment strength of fixing members to heat exchangers, particularly with heavy plate-type heat exchangers, where corrosion from acidic drainage water compromises the attachment member's integrity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a straightening vane with a top plate portion arranged upstream from the attachment member in the direction of the heating gas flow, which blocks drainage water and reduces adhesion to the attachment member, along with a recessed attachment portion and inclined middle and side plate portions to direct drainage water towards the heat exchange area, thereby minimizing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw is used as an attachment member to secure the fixing member to the heat exchanger case, then the attachment strength is improved, but the screw is exposed to acidic drainage water causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective structure (the heat exchanger case wall) as an intermediary between the attachment member (screw) and the harmful drainage water. The screw is inserted through the case wall and the case itself acts as a barrier, preventing direct contact between the screw and acidic drainage water while maintaining the attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by designing the case wall thickness and material properties to resist corrosion before the attachment member is exposed to harmful conditions. The case structure is pre-engineered to create a protective environment that prevents corrosion of the attachment member.
2Strength
If the attachment member protrudes into the case to secure the fixing member, then the attachment strength is improved, but the protruding attachment member becomes vulnerable to drainage water adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The case wall serves as an intermediary barrier between the protruding attachment member and the drainage water. By carefully designing the insertion depth and positioning, the attachment member protrudes sufficiently into the case to provide strong attachment while the case wall structure prevents drainage water from reaching and adhering to the attachment member.
3Ease of manufacture
If spot welding is used to attach the fixing member to the heat exchanger case, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the attachment strength is insufficient for heavy plate-type heat exchangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment methods: spot welding is used to attach the fixing member to the case, and additionally, a screw (attachment member) is inserted through the case wall to provide enhanced mechanical attachment. This combination merges the simplicity of spot welding with the strength of threaded fastening, achieving both ease of manufacture and sufficient attachment strength for heavy plate-type heat exchangers.
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
Effectively suppresses corrosion of the attachment member by redirecting drainage water away from the attachment area, ensuring a stronger and more reliable fixation of the heat exchanger within the hot water apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange portion for exchanging heat between the heating gas which flows outside and water and/or hot water which flows inside
Implementation Method 2
exchanging heat between the heating gas which flows outside and water and/or hot water which flows inside
Implementation Method 3
exchanging heat between the heating gas which flows outside and water and/or hot water which flows inside
Implementation Method 4
a burner configured to generate a heating gas
Implementation Method 5
The straightening vane includes a top plate portion arranged upstream from the attachment member in a direction of flow of the heating gas in the case. Therefore, drainage water which moves toward the attachment member from above can be blocked by the top plate portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hot water apparatus includes a burner, a latent heat recovery heat exchanger, a housing, a fixing member, an attachment member, and a straightening vane. The fixing member is configured to fix the latent heat recovery heat exchanger to the housing. The attachment member is configured to attach the fixing member to a case. The straightening vane is arranged in the case. The attachment member protrudes into the case. The straightening vane includes a top plate portion arranged upstream from the attachment member in a direction of flow of the heating gas in the case.