Multi-Unit Water Heater Mounting System for Limited Clear Wall Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in installing multi-unit water heater systems in limited-space mechanical rooms is the lack of available clear wall space due to existing plumbing and conduit, which complicates the mounting of tankless water heaters and their associated manifolds.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit water heater system with a frame configuration that includes a first, second, and third support, where the second support is angled between the first and third supports, and a mounting kit with spacer brackets and leg assemblies that allow for wall or floor installation without relocating existing plumbing, minimizing the footprint and maximizing installation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water heaters are installed in limited-space mechanical rooms with existing plumbing and conduit, then the heating function is provided, but the available clear wall space for mounting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting kit transitions from traditional wall-mounted installation to a three-dimensional configuration using spacer brackets that extend perpendicular from the wall surface. This allows the water heaters to be mounted in space rather than confined to a two-dimensional wall plane, effectively utilizing the third dimension to overcome limited clear wall space in mechanical rooms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system employs nested brackets where spacer brackets are attached to the wall, and mounting brackets are attached to the spacer brackets. This nested configuration allows the plumbing and conduit to remain behind the spacer brackets while the water heaters are mounted on the mounting brackets, effectively nesting components to minimize the required clear wall space.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used for multi-unit water heater systems, then the installation process is straightforward, but the required clear wall space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets and spacer brackets are pre-assembled into a kit configuration before installation. This preliminary assembly allows the entire mounting structure to be prepared in advance, simplifying the on-site installation process while maintaining the space-efficient three-dimensional mounting configuration that reduces clear wall space requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If water heaters are mounted close to existing plumbing and conduit, then the space utilization is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: spacer brackets for wall attachment and positioning, mounting brackets for water heater attachment, and support legs for additional stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process despite the complex three-dimensional configuration required to minimize clear wall space.
Data Source
AI summary
To facilitate a wall-mounted installation of multi-unit water heaters in a location with limited clear wall space, spacer brackets may be installed on the wall to extend a mounting surface away from a plane of the wall. A mounting bracket may be attached to the mounting surface of the spacer brackets. To reduce installation time and costs, a plurality of water heaters may be affixed to a frame prior to installation. A hot water, cold water, and fuel supply manifolds may be coupled to each hot water outlet, cold water inlet, and fuel supply inlet, respectively, of the plurality of water heaters. The mounting bracket comprises a mounting shelf configured to receive the frame, thereby securing the multi-unit water heater system to the wall. The multi-unit water heating system, the spacer brackets, and the mounting bracket may be provided as a kit.