Snap-Lock Fireplace Heater Assembly for Fast Element Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical fireplace heaters face challenges in quick and cost-effective replacement of heating elements due to their connection with blower fans using pop rivets or screws, leading to time-consuming and costly maintenance when a heating element fails.
Innovation Solution
A heater design featuring snap lock members on the heating element and blower fan allows for easy detachment and replacement, with resilient materials and frictional engagement enabling quick assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are connected to blower fans using pop rivets or screws, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the replacement of heating elements becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and blower fan are divided into separate replaceable modules. The heating element can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire assembly, enabling quick maintenance while maintaining reliable operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static permanent joint (pop rivets or screws) to a dynamic reversible connection. The heating element can be firmly attached during operation for reliability, but easily detached when replacement is needed, adapting the connection state to operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If heating elements and blower fans are assembled as a unit, then the structure is simple, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is segmented into modular components (blower fan, heating element, housing) that can be manufactured separately and independently. This modular approach simplifies the overall assembly structure while enabling parallel manufacturing processes, thereby improving productivity without increasing complexity.
3Strength
If heating elements are permanently fixed to blower fans, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the cost of replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between heating element and blower fan is designed to be dynamically reversible rather than permanently fixed. During normal operation, the connection provides sufficient structural integrity, but when replacement is needed, the connection can be easily released without damage, reducing replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective replacement of only the defective heating element while recovering and reusing the blower fan and other functional components. This selective discarding approach maintains structural integrity of reusable parts while reducing overall replacement costs.
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 design facilitates faster and more economical replacement of defective heating elements, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs by allowing for easy disconnection and reconnection of the blower fan from the heating element.
Implementation Method 1
at least one snap lock member may be resilient. For example, at least one of said snap lock members can be made from a resilient material
Implementation Method 2
the interacting members may be designed to be frictionally engaged with one another
Data Source
AI summary
A heater for an electrical fireplace comprises a heating element (1) and a blower fan (2), the blower fan (2) being releasably attached to the heating element (1). Interacting members (9a1-3, 9a2′, 9b1-3, 9b1′, 9b3′, 14a1-3, 14b1) are provided on the heating element (1) and on the blower fan (2), which members (9a1-3, 9a2′, 9b1-3, 9b1′, 9b3′, 14a1-3, 14b1) are designed to be, engaged with one another to hold the heating element (1) in position relative the blower fan (2).