Ventilation device and method of mounting and disassembling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation devices have complex structures that make it difficult to replace components such as the heat exchanger, air filter, and condensate pump, requiring laborious disassembly and risking damage to seals during maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation device design with accessible openings on one side of the housing allows for easy removal and insertion of components perpendicular to the wall surface, using a wedge unit with a handle for secure positioning and sealing, and quick-release fasteners for efficient maintenance without dismantling the entire unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the ventilation unit uses a complex structure with multiple components, then the functionality and heat exchange efficiency are improved, but the ease of replacing individual components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of replacing components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation unit is divided into modular components (heat exchanger, air filters, condensate pump, fans) that can be independently removed and replaced. Each component is designed as a separate module with standardized mounting interfaces, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace individual components without disassembling the entire unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Individual components such as the heat exchanger, air filters, and condensate pump are extracted as separable modules from the housing. Quick-release fasteners and accessible openings enable these components to be easily removed and replaced independently, significantly simplifying maintenance operations while preserving the integrated functionality of the complete system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of stationary object

If the components are tightly integrated in the housing, then the space efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of accessing and removing components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidease of accessing components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The housing contains distinct receiving spaces for each component (heat exchanger, air filters, condensate pump) with dedicated access openings. This segmented arrangement allows components to be tightly packed for space efficiency while maintaining independent accessibility through strategically positioned openings on the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Quick-release fasteners serve as intermediary mechanisms between the components and housing, enabling easy attachment and detachment. These fasteners provide a simple interface that allows components to be securely held in place during operation yet easily removed for maintenance without requiring complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If conventional disassembly methods are used to replace components, then the components can be removed, but the maintenance time and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent removalVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Components are extracted from the housing using quick-release fasteners that can be operated from the outside through accessible openings. This eliminates the need for time-consuming complete disassembly and reduces the risk of damage to seals and components during removal and installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release fastener system is designed to be operable by maintenance personnel without requiring specialized tools or extensive disassembly knowledge. The system enables self-service maintenance where components can be quickly removed and replaced by simply manipulating the fastener mechanisms accessible through the housing openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 quick, problem-free replacement of components while maintaining the device's tightness and functionality, reducing maintenance time and risk of damage, and allowing for efficient space usage.

Implementation Method 1

a wedge unit (100) for positioning a heat exchanger (260) in the receiving space (250) of the ventilation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical wedging: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

a sealing element (111) having a sealing contact area, wherein the sealing contact area is designed to come into sealing contact with the heat exchanger (260) and/or the ventilation unit (200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3724555B1Ventilation device and method of mounting and disassembling the same
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 STIEBEL ELTRON GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3724555B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3724555B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3724555B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a ventilation device having at least one housing and at least one heat exchanger arranged in the housing for an exhaust air flow conducted through the ventilation device and a fresh air flow conducted through the ventilation device. The ventilation device (200) comprises (i) a housing (202) having two EPS shells (211, 212), (ii) an interior fresh air connection (221) and an interior exhaust air connection (222), (iii) a receiving chamber (250) for at least one heat exchanger (260), (iv) at least one receiving chamber (270) for an air filter (280), (v) a heat exchanger (260), (vi) two radial fans (231, 232) which are designed to conduct the fresh air and exhaust air in counter-current through the heat exchanger (260), and (vii) a condensate drain (240). According to the invention, the housing (202) has two wall surfaces (208) which define its installation height and run substantially parallel to one another, wherein one of the wall surfaces (208) has a mounting side (204) facing a wall area, and wherein openings (214, 216, 218, 220) are formed on the opposite wall surface (208) for a plurality of components, in particular for all components (231, 232, 260, 280, 290) which are accommodated in the receiving chambers (230, 250, 270, 285) on the housing (202) and can be removed from and/or inserted into the housing. The invention further relates to a method for servicing a ventilation device of this type.