Integrated Mixing Chamber for Stable Water Temperature and Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid heaters experience temperature fluctuations, leading to undesirable temperature peaks and undershoots, particularly in mobile applications where space is limited, causing discomfort and water pressure issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact pressure compensation and mixing device integrated into the fluid heater, comprising a mixing unit and a pressure compensation unit, which mixes heated water with cooler water to stabilize temperatures and restricts pressure to prevent damage and water loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a buffer storage is used to homogenize water temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buffer storage function with the existing heat exchanger by creating a double-walled structure where the annular space between walls serves as the buffer storage. This merging eliminates the need for a separate buffer tank, reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature homogenization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer storage is nested within the heat exchanger structure itself, with the annular space between the inner and outer walls serving as the storage volume. This nesting approach allows the buffer function to be embedded within the existing thermal processing component, optimizing space utilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a buffer storage is used to homogenize water temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but available space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage capacity is merged with the heat exchanger volume, utilizing the annular space between double walls that would otherwise be unused. This approach provides buffer storage functionality without requiring additional external space, as the buffer volume is integrated within the existing heat exchanger footprint.
3Productivity
If heating power is increased to meet hot water demand, then productivity is improved, but water pressure rises causing water loss
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage accumulates pre-heated water in advance within the annular space, creating a reservoir of ready-to-use hot water. When heating demand occurs, this pre-stored hot water can be delivered immediately without requiring immediate high-power heating, thus preventing pressure spikes and water loss while maintaining high productivity.
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
The device achieves stable water temperature and pressure output, enhancing user comfort and preventing water loss, while optimizing space usage in mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing unit is configured to mix a fluid guided in the mixing unit
Implementation Method 2
The pressure compensation unit is configured to restrict the pressure rising in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure compensation and mixing device includes: a mixing unit configured to mix a fluid guided in the mixing unit; and a pressure compensation unit configured to restrict pressure rising in the fluid. The mixing and pressure compensation units are integrated in a container unit. The mixing unit has a mixing volume. The pressure compensation unit has a pressure compensation volume. The mixing and pressure compensation volumes adjoin each other and are separated from each other at least partially by a common separating wall. The pressure compensation unit is arranged inside the mixing unit. The mixing unit includes: an inlet tangentially arranged on the mixing volume such that a fluid let in through the inlet flows in tangentially into the mixing volume; and an outlet axially arranged on the mixing volume such that a fluid let out through the outlet flows out of the mixing volume axially.