Hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water and heat pump provided with said assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat pump systems for room heating and domestic hot water production have complex layouts with numerous pipes, making maintenance difficult due to the large number of single-function components and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional hydraulic assembly that integrates key components such as the heat exchanger, auxiliary heater, pumping assembly, and filtering element into a compact design, reducing the number of pipes and simplifying maintenance by using a support body with tubular-shaped portions and unions to house these components, allowing for easier adaptation to different heat exchanger sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plurality of single-function components are used to ensure specific functions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple single-function components (heat exchanger, auxiliary heater, pumping assembly, filtering element) into a single integrated hydraulic assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connection pipes while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing system complexity and improving maintainability without sacrificing functional reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic assembly is designed as a multifunctional unit that simultaneously performs heating, water circulation, and filtration functions. By making the assembly universal and capable of performing multiple functions within a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the overall system complexity while ensuring all necessary functions are maintained

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

2Reliability

If numerous pipes are used to connect single-function components, then the specific functions are ensured, but the layout dimensions increase and maintenance accessibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidlayout dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple components into a single hydraulic assembly with integrated internal connections, the patent eliminates the need for numerous external pipes and connection ducts. This significantly reduces the layout dimensions and improves accessibility for maintenance operations while maintaining all necessary functional connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple single-function components are used, then the functional requirements are met, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple components into a single hydraulic assembly reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and connected. This merging approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material requirements, and lowers overall production costs while maintaining all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By designing a universal hydraulic assembly that performs multiple functions, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate components for each function. This multi-functional approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring all functional requirements are met

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

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 compact design reduces the overall dimensions and costs of the heat pump system, simplifies maintenance, and eliminates the need for separate connection ducts between the heat exchanger and auxiliary heater, while maintaining efficient water flow regulation and filtration.

Implementation Method 1

a primary heat exchanger advantageously, but not necessarily, of the plate type, to which a refrigerant gas supply circuit is associated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

The auxiliary heater is provided with electric resistance for heating the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

a filtering element, preferably of the magnetic type, for the magnetic capture of the impurities of ferrous origin released into the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic capture: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3816521B1Hydraulic assembly for a heat pump for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water and heat pump provided with said assembly
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 OTMA SNC DI SPAGGIARI & C
  • EP3816521B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3816521B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3816521B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A hydraulic assembly (43) for a heat pump system (1) for room heating and for the production of domestic hot water having a heat pump (2) provided with a heat exchanger (16), an auxiliary heater (21) in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger (16) having a housing and a filtering element (25) in hydraulic connection with the heat exchanger (16) for the impurities released into the water having an outer tank (26) ; the hydraulic assembly (43) comprises a support body (44) having a first portion (45) which defines, at least partially, said housing, has a first axis (X45) and is provided with a first union (48) for the connection to the heat exchanger (16); and a second portion (58) having a body having a second axis (X58) orthogonal to the first axis (X45) which defines said tank (26) and is provided with a second union (63) for the connection to the heat exchanger (16).