Modular Condensing Boiler Roof Assembly for Flexible Duct Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condensing boilers face challenges in efficiently integrating and configuring the combustion gas discharge and combustion air supply ducts through the roof assembly, lacking versatility and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A modular roof assembly for condensing boilers comprising a frame with a lowered inner wall as a collector plate, integrated with an outer wall and connecting wall, featuring adjustable openings for duct connections, allowing for coaxial or separate configurations and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the roof assembly uses a single-piece construction for the coaxial collar and side holes, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability to different duct configurations (coaxial or separate) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroof manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidduct configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The roof assembly is divided into separate components: the coaxial collar assembly and the side hole assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and assembled, enabling the system to adapt to either coaxial or separate duct configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roof assembly is designed with universal features that accommodate multiple duct configurations. The coaxial collar can be positioned and configured to work with either coaxial or separate duct arrangements, and the side holes can be selectively opened or closed depending on the required configuration, making a single roof assembly suitable for various installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the roof assembly provides multiple configuration options for duct connections, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduct configuration flexibilityVSAvoidroof assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the roof into modular components (coaxial collar, side holes, connecting elements), the patent achieves configuration flexibility without overall system complexity. Each segment can be independently assembled or configured, allowing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex mechanisms for switching between configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the roof assembly is designed for easy installation with modular components, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidroof assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roof assembly is divided into pre-fabricated modular components that can be independently handled and assembled. This segmentation enables easy installation by allowing workers to assemble the coaxial collar and side hole assemblies separately and then connect them, reducing installation complexity while maintaining a functional multi-component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Certain components are merged or pre-assembled as integrated units (such as the coaxial collar assembly with its connecting elements already integrated) to simplify the overall installation process. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly steps required while still maintaining the modular nature of the complete roof assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4180717B1A condensing boiler with an improved roof assembly for the connection with combustion gas discharge and combustion air supply ducts
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 RIELLO
  • EP4180717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180717B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4180717B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A condensing boiler comprising: a box-shaped outer casing comprising side walls, a bottom, and a roof wherein the roof is configured to be coupled to an external gas exhaust duct and an external combustion air supply duct; a burner housed inside the casing and configured to produce heating gas; a heat exchanger housed inside the casing, the heat exchanger being supplied with the heating gas from the burner and configured to heat a working fluid; the roof comprising: a frame configured to be coupled to the side walls of the casing; an outer wall comprising a hole for connection to the external gas outlet duct and at least one hole for connection to the external combustion air supply duct; an inner wall that is lowered and integral with the frame, wherein the inner wall is below the outer wall and is configured to act as a water collector plate.