Water Heater Wall Bracket for Variable Mounting Hole Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall mounting solutions for water heaters are not cost-effective and adaptable for different types and sizes of water heaters, particularly when replacing old devices with new ones having varying attachment hole distances.
Innovation Solution
A wall mounting bracket with recesses and bores arranged in pairs, allowing for symmetrical and adjustable attachment, featuring U-shaped and L-shaped recesses, and varying hole distances to accommodate different water heater suspension devices, ensuring secure and versatile mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting bracket design is used, then the attachment structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different water heater types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into multiple pairs of recesses (first pair, second pair, third pair) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each pair can accommodate different suspension device configurations, allowing the bracket to adapt to various water heater types without requiring multiple different bracket designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of suspension devices (hooks, screws, brackets) and different water heater configurations. The multiple pairs of recesses with varying geometries (U-shaped, L-shaped) enable a single bracket design to serve multiple mounting scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mounting holes are positioned for a specific water heater model, then the attachment is precise, but replacement with different models becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment functionality is segmented into multiple pairs of holes, each pair positioned at different distances and orientations. This segmentation allows the bracket to accommodate various water heater models with different hole spacing requirements using a single manufactured component, eliminating the need for multiple bracket variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket provides dynamic adaptability through its multiple hole pairs, allowing the mounting configuration to be adjusted based on the specific water heater model being installed. The installer can select the appropriate pair of holes that matches the suspension device hole pattern, making the bracket adaptable rather than fixed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The wall bracket (1) has an overhang (31) of a suspension device (30) of the heater engaging behind it. The screw heads fixing the bracket to the wall engage behind it. The bracket has at least one recess (10) containing at least one boring (11) for wall fixing. There are at least two recesses (15, 16, 17) in which the heater is suspended. The overhang lies between the wall (2) and the bracket.