Integrated Condensate Pan Trap for Multi-Position Furnace Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensate traps in high efficiency furnaces are external, requiring additional space and labor to reposition when furnaces are installed in configurations other than shipped defaults, due to the need for external clearance and pre-configured installation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a condensate trap within the condensate pan, allowing for multi-position functionality without external traps, thus eliminating the need for additional space and reducing installation labor by allowing the same condensate pan to be used in various furnace positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external condensate traps are used, then condensate drainage function is achieved, but additional space clearance (6-8 inches) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condensate trap and condensate pan into a single integrated unit. The trap is positioned within the pan structure, eliminating the need for separate external traps and reducing the required clearance space while maintaining effective condensate drainage functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If condensate trap is pre-configured for one furnace position, then installation is simplified for that configuration, but additional labor is required to reposition the trap for other configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated condensate trap pan design provides multi-position functionality, allowing the same unit to serve all four furnace configurations (upflow, downflow, horizontal right, horizontal left) without requiring repositioning or modification. This universal design eliminates additional installation labor while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized preconfiguration.
3Reliability
If external condensate traps are used, then condensate drainage is achieved, but device complexity increases due to separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the condensate trap and condensate pan into one integrated component system. This reduction in the number of separate parts simplifies the overall device structure, reduces assembly complexity, and maintains reliable condensate drainage functionality through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A condensate pan for a condensing furnace includes a main chamber to receive exhaust gases, a condensate trap separate from the main chamber and internal the condensate pan and a main drain.