Tool for removing and installing a tankless water heater inlet filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance, particularly the removal and replacement of the water inlet filter, which can be difficult due to its design, necessitating a tool for efficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a base portion and a head portion, featuring reciprocal engagement devices such as slots or tabs, allows for easy removal and installation of the tankless water heater inlet filter by rotating the base portion, accommodating different filter cap designs and providing a mechanical advantage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tools like channel locks or needle nose pliers are used to remove the inlet filter, then the filter can be removed, but the filter cap or tankless water heater may be damaged and the operation becomes difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized removal tool as an intermediary device between the user and the filter cap. This tool features a head portion that fits inside the filter cap and reciprocal engagement devices that interface with the filter's engagement features, allowing torque to be applied without directly gripping the filter cap with traditional tools that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for user gripping, a head portion that interfaces with the filter cap interior, and reciprocal engagement devices that connect to the filter's engagement features. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising other components.
2Reliability
If the inlet filter is designed with engagement devices for secure installation, then the filter stays in place during operation, but the filter becomes difficult to remove without specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement devices are designed to provide static retention during normal operation but dynamic release during removal. The reciprocal engagement devices in the removal tool interact with the filter's engagement features to transform the static secure connection into a controlled rotational movement that enables easy removal when the proper tool is used.
3Ease of operation
If a specialized removal tool is designed with reciprocal engagement devices, then the filter can be removed safely and easily, but the tool structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is designed with universal features that allow it to work with various filter cap designs. The head portion can accommodate different filter cap interior geometries, and the reciprocal engagement devices can interface with different engagement feature configurations, making the tool versatile despite its specialized structure.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient removal and installation of the inlet filter without damaging the filter cap or the tankless water heater, overcoming limitations of traditional tools like channel locks or needle nose pliers, especially in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one reciprocal engagement device extending from the head portion and configured to engage with an engagement device of the tankless water heater inlet filter
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for removing a tankless water heater inlet filter includes a base portion having a bottom end and an opposing top end. The base portion having a base sidewall around its periphery extending from its bottom end to the top end of the base, and a head portion having a bottom end adjacent to the top end of the base portion. The head portion being aligned with and concentric with the base portion and the head portion having a head sidewall around its periphery extending from its bottom end to a free end of the head portion. In addition, the tool includes at least one reciprocal engagement device extending from the head portion and configured to engage with an engagement device of the tankless water heater inlet filter.