Removable Heat Shield for HVAC Drip Pan Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation heating systems require labor-intensive and costly maintenance when replacing damaged heat shields, as they typically need to remove and reinstall heat exchanger coils to access the heat shield and drip pan.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation heating system design where the heat shield can be replaced without removing the heat exchanger coils or the drip pan, by separating the heat shield from the drip pan and allowing it to be slid into place between the drip pan and the furnace/blower, reducing the need for extensive disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the heat shield is integrated with the drip pan as a single unit, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because both components must be replaced together and require removal of heat exchanger coils
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield and drip pan are separated into distinct, independent components. The heat shield can be removed and replaced separately from the drip pan, allowing for selective replacement of only the damaged component without requiring removal of heat exchanger coils or replacement of the entire assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the heat shield is accessed by removing heat exchanger coils, then the ease of operation during installation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased labor time and complexity during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is designed as a separate component with its own access path. During installation, the heat shield can be positioned first, followed by the drip pan and heat exchanger coils, allowing for straightforward assembly. During maintenance, the heat shield can be accessed and replaced by removing only the drip pan, eliminating the need to remove heat exchanger coils and significantly reducing labor time.
3Ease of repair
If the heat shield is made as a separate removable component, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield and drip pan are designed as separate but complementary components that fit together in a straightforward manner. The heat shield includes a rearwardly extending flange that engages with the cabinet, and the drip pan sits forward of it, creating a simple two-component assembly that is easier to service than a integrated unit while adding minimal complexity.
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
This design significantly reduces labor costs and maintenance complexity by allowing for easy replacement of damaged heat shields without moving the drip pan or heat exchanger coils, thereby extending the lifespan of system components.
Implementation Method 1
The heat shield 112 may be disposed between the furnace/blower 106 and the drip pan 110 in order to protect the drip pan 110 from the intense heat generated by the furnace/blower 106
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for use in a ventilation cabinet about a furnace. The system includes a heat exchanger coil having a bottom directed toward the furnace being configured to received air from the furnace, a drip pan disposed at the bottom of the heat exchanger coil so as to catch condensed water from the heat exchanger coil, and a heat shield including a unitary sheet metal body configured to be inserted between the drip pan and the furnace.