Wall sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for recess mounting an electric tankless water heater in a wall are manually intensive, time-consuming, and complicated, especially when applied to existing walls, requiring complex framing and access door installations.
Innovation Solution
A wall sleeve with interconnected sidewalls and a rear wall that defines an enclosure with specific access and mounting openings, allowing for secure and flexible mounting of an electric tankless water heater, featuring adjustable slots for the access door and provision for plumbing and electrical lines, facilitating easier installation and omni-directional mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional framing with metal or wood studs and access door installation is used, then the water heater can be recess mounted, but the installation becomes manually intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wall sleeve is divided into multiple identical sidewalls (front, back, left, right) that can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall installation process compared to traditional custom framing
Solution Approach 2:
The wall sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the water heater and the wall opening, providing a pre-fabricated mounting structure that eliminates the need for complex on-site framing work
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional framing methods are used for existing walls, then recess mounting is achieved, but the process becomes complicated and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wall sleeve is designed with universal applicability to existing walls through its standardized geometry and mounting features, accommodating various installation scenarios without requiring complex custom fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The wall sleeve is pre-assembled with all necessary mounting openings, access openings, and structural features before installation, eliminating the need for complicated on-site framing and adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access openings and mounting openings are provided in each sidewall, then flexible access and mounting are enabled, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
N/A - This principle is not applicable to the current patent context
Solution Approach 2:
The wall sleeve maintains structural simplicity while providing mounting flexibility through standardized opening dimensions and positions that can accommodate different water heater models and installation requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A wall sleeve for recessed mounting into an opening in a wall. The wall sleeve includes a top sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a left sidewall, a right sidewall and a rear wall that cooperatively defines an enclosure with an enclosure opening located opposite of the rear wall. Each of the sidewalls have identical configurations, including portions defining at least one access opening and portions defining at least one mounting opening. The mounting openings having an effective diameter smaller than an effective diameter of the access openings.