Water heater

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a fine bubble generator in a water heater's housing leads to increased manufacturing costs due to space constraints and the need for measures to mitigate the effects of the combustion device and heat exchanger on the generator.

Innovation Solution

The fine bubble generator is positioned below the burner ports in the water heater's housing, reducing the need for heat-resistant materials and allowing for a more efficient use of space, thereby minimizing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fine bubble generator is accommodated in the housing, then fine bubble generation function is added, but manufacturing costs increase due to space constraints and heat mitigation measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine bubble generation functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fine bubble generator is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement below the burner ports. This dimensional change allows the generator to utilize the vertical space in the housing more efficiently, avoiding the need for additional horizontal space and reducing the requirement for heat-resistant materials and isolation structures, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of avoiding the high-temperature zone near the burner, the fine bubble generator is deliberately positioned below the burner ports where it can utilize the upward flow of hot combustion gases to enhance bubble formation and water heating efficiency. This converts the potential harmful heat exposure into a beneficial thermal field for improved fine bubble generation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the fine bubble generator is positioned away from heat sources, then heat-resistant materials are required, but space utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exposureVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fine bubble generator is positioned to utilize the upward flow of hot combustion gases from the burner ports. The heat that would otherwise be wasted or harmful is converted into a beneficial thermal field that enhances water heating and bubble formation efficiency, eliminating the need for heat-resistant materials and isolation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The region below the burner ports serves multiple functions: it provides the combustion chamber space, allows hot gas upward flow for heating, and accommodates the fine bubble generator. This multi-functional use of space eliminates the need for separate heat-resistant enclosures and maximizes the utilization of the housing volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the fine bubble generator uses standard materials, then manufacturing cost decreases, but heat resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costVSAvoidheat resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fine bubble generator is positioned to operate within the controlled thermal field below the burner ports, where the upward flow of hot gases provides consistent heating. This allows the use of standard, cost-effective materials that can withstand the thermal conditions, eliminating the need for expensive heat-resistant alloys or special coatings while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration reduces material and work costs for the fine bubble generator, avoids manufacturing cost increases, and allows for improved anti-freezing performance and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The heat exchanger converts water passing through the interior thereof into hot water by heating with the high-temperature gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

This fine bubble generator causes fine bubbles to be generated in hot water that flows through the interior thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble generation: Bubble

Data Source

PatentUS20250085024A1Water heater

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 RINNAI CORP

AI summary

A water heater (1) includes a housing (8), combustion devices (31, 32), heat exchangers (41A to 42B), a water supply pipe (P1), a hot water supply pipe (P2), a water supply connection member (10), a hot water supply connection member (20), a water quantity control part (50), and a fine bubble generator (9) in fluid connection with either the water supply pipe (P1) or the hot water supply pipe (P2). The fine bubble generator (9) has an inflow port (91H), into which hot water flows from an upstream side (P2U), and an outflow port (92H), out of which hot water containing the fine bubbles is discharged to a downstream side (P2D). The fine bubble generator (9) is located below burner ports (31F, 32F) of the combustion devices.