Heating system component and method for producing same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature monitoring and control elements in heating systems experience slow response times due to improper mounting, which affects their ability to efficiently monitor and control temperatures, especially in applications like dishwashers and continuous-flow water heaters.

Innovation Solution

The temperature monitoring and control unit is directly fixed to the heating unit using a laser-welded seam, with a beveled edge of less than 90° to facilitate easier laser beam access and reduce the required laser power, ensuring a strong attachment and improved heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If temperature monitoring and control elements are fixed with screws to a mounting plate, then the mounting is simple, but the response time becomes too slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw-fixing system with a laser-welding system. The temperature monitoring and control element is directly laser-welded to the heating unit, eliminating the mounting plate and screws. This substitution of mechanical fastening with thermal welding achieves both rapid response time (direct thermal contact) and permanent secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the temperature monitoring and control element directly with the heating unit through laser welding. By combining these two components into a single integrated assembly with direct thermal contact, the patent eliminates intermediate mounting structures and achieves instantaneous temperature sensing while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If a beveled edge with angle less than 90° is provided, then laser beam access is facilitated and laser power required is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser power requiredVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the mounting surface by providing a beveled edge with an angle less than 90°. This parameter modification allows the laser beam to access the welding area more effectively, reducing the laser power required for welding while enabling direct thermal contact between the temperature monitoring element and heating unit.

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

This approach significantly reduces the response time of the temperature monitoring and control element, enhancing the system's ability to detect temperature changes and prevent overheating, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the risk of calcium deposits interfering with temperature detection.

Implementation Method 1

said lower surface of said temperature monitoring and/or control unit and said upper surface of said carrier unit are attached to each other by means of a welded seam, preferably by means of a laser-welded seam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 2

said beveled edge comprises a bevel angle of less than 90°; wherein said welded seam is located essentially along said beveled edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam reflection and incidence: Laser

Implementation Method 3

at least a part of said lower surface of said temperature monitoring and/or control unit is in thermal contact with at least a part of said upper surface of said carrier unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2960595B1Heating system component and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 BLECKMANN
  • EP2960595B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2960595B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2960595B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a heating system component comprising: a temperature monitoring and/or control unit comprising a lower surface, and a carrier unit comprising an upper surface. At least a part of said lower surface of said temperature monitoring and/or control unit is in thermal contact with at least a part of said upper surface of said carrier unit. Said lower surface of said temperature monitoring and/or control unit and said upper surface of said carrier unit are attached to each other by means of a welded seam, preferably by means of a laser-welded seam.