Modular Spacer Frame Assembly for Variable-Size Wall-Mounted Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing wall-mounted heaters are inefficient due to the need for custom mounting frames, which increase logistical effort and costs, and are not adaptable to different heater sizes, leading to suboptimal installation and maintenance complexities.
Innovation Solution
A method using universal components to assemble a spacer frame that can be customized for various heater sizes, allowing for simple and cost-effective installation by forming a spacer frame with corner and side elements that can be connected to form any size, accommodating different distances between the heater and the wall, and featuring adjustable and connectable elements for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom mounting frames are used for each heater, then the mounting frame is precisely tailored to the specific heater, but logistical effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single modular mounting frame system that can accommodate multiple heater types and sizes. The frame consists of standardized components (vertical elements, horizontal elements, connection elements) that can be configured for different applications, eliminating the need for custom frames for each heater while maintaining precise fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame is segmented into separate modular components including vertical frame elements, horizontal frame elements, and connection elements. These segments can be independently selected and assembled to match different heater dimensions, reducing logistical complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a receiving box is sized for larger heaters, then larger heaters can be mounted, but smaller heaters result in unfavorable proportions and wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving box is divided into modular sections that can be selectively assembled. Instead of a single fixed-size box, the patent uses multiple smaller modular units that can be combined to match the size of the heater being installed, optimizing space utilization for both small and large heaters.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame system is designed to be dynamically configurable rather than static. The modular elements can be adjusted and reconfigured to match different heater sizes, allowing the same system to optimally accommodate both small and large heaters without wasting space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounting frames are provided for different heater sizes, then various heater dimensions can be accommodated, but the framework requires large transport volume
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is segmented into separate compact components that can be transported independently in a collapsed or disassembled state. The vertical and horizontal elements can be nested or stacked efficiently, significantly reducing transport volume while maintaining the ability to assemble various configurations for different heater sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame elements are designed to nest within each other when not in use. Horizontal elements can be stored within vertical elements, and connection elements can be integrated into the main structure, minimizing the overall transport volume while preserving full adaptability for different heater dimensions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment positions and extension plates are used, then the mounting plate can be adapted to heater width, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete modular elements rather than a complex continuous adjustment system. The mounting plate width is adjusted by adding or removing standardized horizontal frame elements, each with fixed dimensions, creating a simple combinatorial adjustment system that is easier to manufacture and operate.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A method for mounting a wall-mounted heater (7) is proposed, comprising at least the following steps: a) assembling a spacer frame (1) from universal components (11), b) suspending the heater (7) on a wall (6) using the spacer frame (1). A variable-size spacer frame is also provided. Thus, heaters (7) of virtually any size can be suspended using the spacer frame (1), whereby in step a) four corner elements (10) and at least two side elements (4) are assembled.