Device that eliminates the drainage of liquid during the changing of a heating element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank water heaters require draining of water to replace the heating element, which is inconvenient, wasteful, and time-consuming, and often necessitates consumer proficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a series of parts that create a watertight seal to allow for the insertion and removal of heating elements without draining the water heater, using a threaded rod and bushings to align slots and prevent water leakage during element exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heating element is replaced by draining water from the water heater, then the heating element can be accessed and replaced, but water is lost and the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
A multi-component device acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the water heater tank. This device includes a first component with a first opening that receives the heating element, a second component with a second opening that seals against the tank opening, and a third component that seals between the first and second components. This intermediary device allows the heating element to be replaced without direct exposure to the water interior, eliminating water loss while maintaining accessibility for replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement device is divided into multiple separable components: a first component for receiving the heating element, a second component for sealing against the tank, and a third component for sealing between the first and second components. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the first component provides element access, the second component provides tank sealing, and the third component provides inter-component sealing, collectively enabling waterless replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the heating element is replaced by draining water, then the element can be removed, but the process requires consumer proficiency and specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device simplifies the replacement process by providing a pre-assembled, self-contained system that guides the user through standardized steps. Rather than requiring consumers to understand complex drainage procedures, element handling, and reassembly, the intermediary device presents a unified interface that connects to the tank opening and provides structured access to the heating element, reducing the knowledge barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables consumers to perform the replacement themselves without requiring professional plumber intervention. By providing a user-friendly interface with clear connection points and self-contained sealing mechanisms, the device allows ordinary consumers to maintain their water heaters independently, empowering them to service the element without specialized training.
3Productivity
If the heating element is replaced by draining water, then the element can be accessed, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device is pre-assembled with all necessary sealing components and element-receiving structures before reaching the consumer. The sealing surfaces, gaskets, and connection mechanisms are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for consumers to perform time-consuming assembly steps or source separate components during the replacement process. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the overall replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary device serves as a time-saving mediator by providing direct, structured access to the heating element without requiring water drainage. The device creates an immediate workflow path: connect to tank opening, access element, replace element, reconnect. This eliminates the time-consuming drainage and refilling steps that traditionally accompany element replacement, accelerating the overall process.
4Loss of substance
If a device is used to prevent water drainage during heating element replacement, then water is retained in the tank, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water retention function is achieved through segmentation into three specialized components, each with a specific sealing responsibility. The first component seals around the heating element, the second component seals against the tank opening, and the third component seals between the first and second components. This division of sealing functions into discrete, manageable segments allows water retention without requiring a monolithic, overly complex device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-component device acts as an intermediary sealing system that creates a water-tight barrier between the external environment and the water-filled tank interior. By positioning this intermediary device at the tank opening, it establishes a sealed chamber that allows element replacement operations to proceed without water loss, achieving water retention through a modular intermediate structure rather than modifying the tank itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device capable of retaining water in a water heater during the course of changing out the heating element. The device is comprised of a series of parts that fit together in such a way as to allow for a heating element insertion and removal without draining of water from the water heater. Because of the relationship between tubes 4 and 7, and bushings 3 and 5 (teflon, aluminum, or any suitable metal or material) and the threaded piece 1 and heating element tip, screwing in clockwise heating element allows for alignment of these components (tube 4 with slots to align with tube 7 and its slots); slots will be aligned so that water flows through. The heating element is in fluid contact with the water of the water heater. However, unscrewing counter-clockwise the heating element rotates these components in such a fashion as to block the slots in tubes 4 and 7 and the threaded element 1 in order to contain the water of the water heater while the heating element is exchanged for a new one. Upon screwing clockwise the new heating element, the components again go from blocking the water from draining out, to an open channel allowing for continuous fluid flow between the heating element and the water heater. When inserting the new heating element, it is clockwise. The outer tube with an offset of 180 degrees will prevent water from escaping from the water heater.