Heat Pump Water Heater Compressor Bracket for Shipping Impact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump water heaters face challenges in withstanding impact and weight during shipping due to the location of the compressor above the cover, which can cause damage and displacement.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump water heater assembly with a reinforced cover and bracket system, including a connector and at least one bracket with a specific cross-section that extends into the space between the water tank and cover, and optionally embedded in foam for additional support, to securely attach the compressor and distribute its weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the compressor is located above the cover of the tank, then the assembly is compact and easier to manufacture, but the cover and compressor are damaged during shipping due to compression and shear loads
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple sections: a first section mounted to the cover, a second section extending into the space between the tank and cover, and optionally a third section embedded in foam. This segmentation distributes the compressor weight across multiple attachment points and structural elements, preventing concentrated loads that would damage the cover during shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket extends in multiple spatial dimensions - vertically from the cover, horizontally into the tank-cover space, and potentially into the foam insulation. This multi-dimensional configuration transforms a simple vertical support into a distributed three-dimensional support structure that resists both compression and shear forces.
2Device complexity
If the cover supports the weight of the compressor, then the assembly structure is simple, but the cover cannot withstand impact during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket acts as an intermediary structural element between the cover and the compressor. Instead of the cover directly supporting the compressor weight, the bracket mediates this load transfer, distributing forces across the cover, tank, and potentially foam insulation, thereby protecting the cover from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system combines multiple materials with different properties: the metal bracket for structural strength, the foam insulation for cushioning and additional anchoring, and the cover for containment. This composite approach creates a support system that is both strong and impact-resistant.
3Reliability
If a reinforced bracket system is added to support the compressor, then the assembly withstands shipping impact, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is localized to where it is most needed - the bracket system specifically at the compressor mounting location. The rest of the assembly maintains its original simple structure. This localized approach provides necessary strength without requiring comprehensive reinforcement of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system is pre-configured and pre-installed on the cover before shipping, establishing the load-bearing structure in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the compressor weight is properly distributed from the moment of installation, preventing damage during handling and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump water heater assembly is provided. The heat pump water heater assembly comprises a water tank, a cover having opposing first and second surfaces, a compressor, a connector configured to connect the compressor to the first surface of the cover, and at least one bracket comprising a first section mounted to the second surface of the cover by the connector and a second section extending outward from the first section and into a space between the water tank and the cover.