Rotatable Panel Assembly for Hydro Furnace Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air heating systems, such as gas furnaces and hydro furnaces, face issues like combustion gas leakage and inconvenient operation due to complex structures, particularly the need to operate panel devices while lying on the floor.
Innovation Solution
An air heating apparatus with a panel assembly that includes an expansion tank, water heating device, heating heat exchanger, and fan, where the panel device is partially exposed and can be rotated to a fixed position for easier operation, allowing users to access controls without having to lie on the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the panel assembly is located on the lower side of the hydro furnace, then the structure is compact and space-efficient, but the user has to lie on the floor to operate the panel device
Solution Approach 1:
The panel device is made rotatable relative to the case through a rotation mechanism, allowing it to dynamically change its orientation from a lower-positioned configuration to an upward-facing configuration. This enables the panel to adapt its position for user accessibility while maintaining the compact lower-side mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel device is rotated from a horizontal orientation (parallel to the case bottom) to a vertical orientation (perpendicular to the case bottom), changing its spatial dimension. This dimensional transformation allows the panel to face upward for easy operation while remaining mounted on the lower side of the case.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the panel device is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot easily access the controls without lying on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The panel device incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to change orientation from fixed horizontal to fixed vertical positions. The panel can be rotated to an upward-facing position for operation, then fixed in that position during use, providing both accessibility and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism replaces the need for users to physically reposition themselves (lying on the floor) by mechanically rotating the panel to an accessible position. This mechanical substitution maintains structural stability while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the panel device is rotated to face upward, then the user can operate it conveniently, but additional rotation mechanism components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the panel to rotate between horizontal and vertical orientations. This single rotational degree of freedom enables upward-facing operation while adding minimal structural complexity compared to multi-axis mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism changes the orientation parameter of the panel from 0 degrees (horizontal) to 90 degrees (vertical). This parameter change achieves upward-facing accessibility while using a simple single-axis rotation system rather than complex multi-parameter adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enhances operational convenience and safety by simplifying the operation of the panel device, reducing the risk of combustion gas leakage, and maintaining system efficiency while heating air for distribution in homes.
Implementation Method 1
a water heating device that receives heat from combustion gas generated by a combustion reaction and heats the water
Implementation Method 2
a heating heat exchanger that receives the water heated by the water heating device and conducts heat exchange between air to be released for heating and the water
Implementation Method 3
a fan that supplies the air to the heating heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
combustion gas generated by a combustion reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An air heating apparatus includes an expansion tank storing water, a water heating device that receives heat from combustion gas generated by a combustion reaction and heats the water, a heating heat exchanger that receives the water heated by the water heating device and conducts heat exchange between air to be released for heating and the water, a fan that supplies the air to the heating heat exchanger, a case in which the water heating device, the expansion tank, the heating heat exchanger, and the fan are disposed, and a panel assembly electrically connected with at least one of the expansion tank, the water heating device, the heating heat exchanger, or the fan. The panel assembly includes a panel device at least partially exposed outside the case, and a position of the panel device is fixed in a state in which the panel device is rotated relative to the case.