Multi-Orientation Condensate Trap Integration for Gas Furnaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensate collector systems for gas furnace systems require extensive reconfiguration and additional tubing for different installation orientations, leading to increased complexity and potential leak points.
Innovation Solution
A condensate collector system with a condensate collector box and a selectively positionable condensate trap that can be securely mounted in multiple orientations, eliminating the need for re-routing and re-connecting drain tubing by directly integrating the inducer fan assembly and condensate trap with the collector box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional condensate collector systems use separate condensate traps mounted internally or externally with drain tubes, then the system can collect and drain condensate, but the system complexity increases and more potential leak points are created when reconfiguring for different installation orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The condensate trap is integrated directly into the collector box as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate trap assemblies and external drain tube connections. This merging of components reduces system complexity while maintaining adaptability to different installation orientations through the trap's selective positioning capability within the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated condensate trap is designed to function in multiple drain orientations without requiring system reconfiguration. The trap can be selectively positioned within the collector box to accommodate various installation configurations, providing universal functionality across different orientations while reducing the need for additional tubing or reconnection.
2Reliability
If separate condensate traps are plumbed during installation using drain tubes, then condensate can be drained from the collector, but the number of potential leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the condensate trap directly into the collector box, the invention eliminates multiple external drain tube connections and reduces the number of potential leak points. The unified structure maintains reliable condensate drainage through internal fluid communication while minimizing external connection interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive reconfiguration and additional tubing are used for different installation orientations, then the system can adapt to multiple positions, but the amount of required drain tubing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the condensate trap into the collector box eliminates the need for extensive external drain tubing to accommodate different orientations. The selective positioning capability within the integrated structure allows multi-poise installation without requiring additional tubing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensate trap is designed with selective positioning capability that allows it to be configured for different drain orientations without requiring physical reconfiguration of the system or addition of tubing. This dynamic adaptability within the integrated structure reduces material requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A condensate collector system includes a condensate collector box having at least one condensate outlet port, and a condensate trap fluidly connected to the at least one condensate outlet port. The condensate trap is configured and disposed to be selectively positioned in multiple drain orientations relative to the condensate collector box to accommodate multiple installation configurations of the multi-poise gas furnace.