Wall Thimble Venting With Integrated Outside Air Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel-burning appliances require separate openings in the wall for exhaust and combustion air, which is inefficient and inconvenient, as it necessitates two openings in the exterior wall for venting combustion by-products and supplying combustion air.
Innovation Solution
A wall thimble device that integrates both exhaust and combustion air paths into a single component, allowing for dual functionality by using a hollow cylinder with annular regions and separate air vents to manage both functions through a single wall opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate openings are created in the wall for exhaust and combustion air, then proper venting and air supply are achieved, but the number of wall openings increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the exhaust venting function and combustion air supply function into a single integrated wall thimble component. The thimble creates two separate flow paths (exhaust path and air inlet path) within a single wall opening, eliminating the need for two separate wall openings while maintaining proper venting and air supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall thimble performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both an exhaust vent and an air inlet structure. By integrating both functions into one component, the thimble reduces installation complexity and the number of wall openings required while ensuring reliable operation of the heating appliance.
2Ease of operation
If a single wall opening is used for both exhaust and combustion air, then installation is simplified and fewer wall openings are required, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thimble is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer housing that interfaces with the wall opening, an inner housing that contains the flow paths, and separate channels for exhaust and air inlet. This segmentation allows the complex dual-function structure to be manufactured and assembled more easily while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 wall thimble enables efficient venting of combustion by-products and supply of combustion air through a single wall opening, simplifying installation and reducing the number of openings required, thus improving the efficiency and convenience of fuel-burning appliance installations.
Implementation Method 1
In a typical installation, the appliance includes a mechanical fan to both blow the combustion by-products out through the exhaust pipe and to draw combustion air in through a separate air inlet pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An improved wall thimble is useful as part of a venting apparatus for a direct vent heating appliance. Dual functionality is provided in a single wall thimble device by having a vent path for exhausting combustion by-products, and a separate air inlet path to draw in outside combustion air for use by the heating appliance. The wall thimble is formed as a two-part housing such that a first cylindrical portion can be inserted into a second cylindrical portion. When a smaller diameter exhaust pipe is routed through the cylindrical portions, an annular region is formed between the exhaust pipe and the cylindrical portions. A first air vent is formed in the first cylindrical portion to draw combustion air into the annular region from outside. A second air vent is formed in the second cylindrical portion to route the combustion air from the annular region to an opening in the housing where a combustion air inlet pipe is connected.