Windproof structure for flue outlet and gas water heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas water heaters in recreational vehicles face issues with exhaust efficiency due to the flue outlet being directly exposed, leading to high wind resistance that can prevent the movable flap from opening, causing operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A windproof structure for the flue outlet featuring a flue passage with an air deflector and a connector, where the air deflector is positioned to block external airflow and guide it away from the flue passage, while the inner diameter increases from the second port to the first port to enhance exhaust efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flue outlet is directly exposed to the exterior with a movable flap, then the structure is simple, but the exhaust efficiency deteriorates under wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air deflector as an intermediary component between the external wind and the flue outlet. This deflector redirects the external airflow away from the flue passage, preventing direct collision between external and internal airflows. The deflector acts as a mediator that protects the exhaust system from harmful wind interference while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the flue outlet structure by extending the flue passage and positioning the air deflector at a preset distance from the first port. This three-dimensional arrangement creates a protected exhaust pathway that extends beyond the simple flat door panel structure, allowing the exhaust to escape in a direction shielded from direct wind impact.
2Device complexity
If the movable flap is placed directly in the exposed flue outlet, then the structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates when external wind force exceeds exhaust airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The air deflector serves as a protective intermediary that shields the movable flap and flue passage from direct wind exposure. By redirecting external airflow around the flue outlet, the deflector prevents high wind forces from acting directly on the flap mechanism, ensuring reliable operation even in windy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The air deflector performs preliminary anti-action by preemptively redirecting external wind flow before it can reach and interfere with the flue outlet. This preventive measure counteracts the harmful effects of wind on the exhaust system before the wind force can exceed the exhaust airflow and cause operational failure.
3Device complexity
If the flue passage has constant diameter, then the structure is simple, but the exhaust efficiency deteriorates due to airflow collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the inner diameter of the flue passage along its length. The passage has a smaller diameter at the second port (connected to the water heater) and a larger diameter at the first port (exposed to exterior). This gradual expansion optimizes airflow dynamics, allowing smooth exhaust flow acceleration and preventing turbulence or backflow caused by sudden diameter changes.
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
The structure effectively improves exhaust efficiency by preventing direct collision between external and internal airflows, ensuring smooth discharge of exhaust gases and preventing backflow, thereby ensuring the gas water heater operates efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The air deflector is disposed outside the flue passage and located on one side of the first port facing away from the second port. The air deflector is spaced apart from the first port by a preset distance, and an orthogonal projection of the air deflector onto the first port covers the first port.
Implementation Method 2
An inner diameter of the passage decreases from the first port to the second port
Data Source
AI summary
A windproof structure for the flue outlet includes a flue passage and an air deflector. The flue passage extends in a preset direction and has, in an extension direction, a first port and a second port that are in communication. The first port is configured to be in communication with the outside, and the second port is configured to be in communication with a flue pipe of the gas water heater. The air deflector is disposed outside the flue passage and located on one side of the first port facing away from the second port. The air deflector is spaced apart from the first port by a preset distance, and an orthogonal projection of the air deflector onto the first port covers the first port.