Water heater fixing assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely populated urban areas, residential buildings face challenges in installing water heaters due to limited space, requiring more complex and space-saving configurations for fixing frames to enhance mountability and maintainability.
Innovation Solution
A water heater fixing assembly comprising upper and lower column members, pipe stays, and copper pipes is designed to allow for non-overlapping vertical projections of water heaters, reducing footprint and enabling easier installation and maintenance by using aluminum and copper materials to minimize weight and prevent rust, thus simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional fixing frames are used for water heater installation, then the installation structure is simple, but the footprint area is large and space utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal side-by-side installation to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with upper and lower column members. Water heaters are arranged in vertical layers with non-overlapping projections, effectively utilizing vertical space to reduce the horizontal footprint area while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized column and pipe components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing frame structure employs a nested arrangement where lower column members support upper column members, and pipe stays are integrated within the column structure. This nesting approach allows multiple water heaters to be stacked vertically within a compact footprint, maximizing space utilization without requiring complex external support structures.
2Area of stationary object
If complex space-saving configurations are used, then the footprint area is reduced, but the installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing frame is segmented into standardized upper and lower column members with identical structures. Each column member contains integrated pipe stays that protrude to support copper pipes. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies installation procedures while achieving compact footprint through vertical stacking of water heaters with non-overlapping projections.
3Reliability
If traditional materials are used for pipes, then the installation is straightforward, but rust prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies copper pipes for water supply and drainage connections within the fixing frame structure. Copper material provides superior rust and corrosion resistance compared to traditional steel or galvanized pipes. The copper pipes are integrated with the aluminum column members through standardized connection points, combining the lightweight properties of aluminum structure with the corrosion resistance of copper piping.
Data Source
AI summary
A water heater fixing assembly includes a pair of upper column members, a pair of lower column members, a pair of lower column members, a first pipe stay, a second pipe stay, and a first copper pipe. The pair of upper column members are laterally disposed with each other. The pair of lower column members are disposed below the pair of upper column members and laterally disposed with each other. A vertical projection of the first pair of the water heaters is not overlapped with a vertical projection of the second pair of the water heaters. A first pipe stay is protruded from the pair of upper column members and extended below the first pair of the water heaters. A second pipe stay is protruded from an installation side of the pair of lower column members and extended below the second pair of the water heaters.