Safety group for a pressurized heating device and related methods of installation and replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety groups for pressurized electric heating devices, such as electric boilers, are difficult to install, costly to produce, and pose electrical risks due to metal-to-metal junctions, with complex and expensive replacement procedures that shorten their life cycle and increase operating costs.

Innovation Solution

A safety group with a plastic main body and metal fittings, featuring a retainer element for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing production costs and eliminating electrical risks, with a method of installation and replacement that simplifies screwing operations and minimizes material waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional metal safety groups are used for pressurized heating devices, then electrical connectivity and pressure resistance are ensured, but electrical risks arise from metal-to-metal junctions and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidelectrical risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plastic main body as an intermediary material between the metal fittings and the heating device. This plastic body electrically isolates the metal components, preventing electrical risks while maintaining mechanical connectivity and pressure resistance. The plastic material serves as a mediator that preserves the functional benefits of metal components while eliminating their electrical conductivity hazard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional integrated safety groups are used, then pressure management function is complete, but installation and replacement procedures are complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure managementVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety group is segmented into distinct modular components: a plastic main body, metal fittings, and a retainer element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled. The retainer element specifically enables easy attachment and detachment of the safety group from the heating device, transforming a complex integrated assembly into a simple modular connection that maintains full pressure management functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional safety groups are replaced completely, then safety function is restored, but material waste increases and replacement costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design with the retainer element enables selective replacement of only the necessary components. When maintenance is needed, the retainer element allows easy detachment of the safety group, and components can be individually assessed for reuse. This approach recovers functional components rather than discarding the entire assembly, reducing material waste and replacement costs while ensuring safety function is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4428450A1Safety group for a pressurized heating device and related methods of installation and replacement
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 IVAR SPA
  • EP4428450A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4428450A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4428450A1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention is related to a safety group (1) for a pressurized heating device (B) connected to a water supply network (A) and comprises: - a internally hollow main body (2) provided with a first opening (21), a second opening (22) and a third opening (23); - a shut-off valve (3) openable and closable on command for interrupting the fluid communication between the first and the second opening; - a nonreturn valve (4) which allows a fluid flow entering to the pressurized heating device from the second to the first opening and prevents a fluid flow in the opposite direction; - a safety valve (5) configured for remaining closed when a pressure value in the pressurized heating device is lower than a determined risk threshold and for being open when said pressure value is higher or equal to the determined risk threshold; - a first connection fitting (6) internally hollow and comprising a first passage (60) for the passage of the fluid between the first opening and the pressurized heating device; the first fitting is configured for being screwed to the pressurized heating device; the first opening comprises a first seat (S1) for housing the first fitting; - a retainer element (7) associable in the first seat (S1) for keeping firmly housed the first fitting and preventing its leakage from the first seat.