FIELD
This application relates generally to water heaters and more specifically to water heaters having dip tubes therein.
BACKGROUND
FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a water heater 100. The water heater 100 includes a water tank 102, a hot water output line 104, a dip tube 106, a heating mechanism 108, a domed bottom 110, a cylindrical side wall 112, and a domed top 114. The dip tube 106 is configured to connect to a cold water input line 116 via a pipe connecting portion 118.
In operation, the cold water input line 116 provides cold water from a water source, such as a well or public utility. The cold water flows down the dip tube 106 and into the water tank 102 until the water tank 102 is filled with cold water. The heating mechanism 108 heats the water in the water tank 102.
As the water heats, the heated water moves higher in the water tank 102. Generally speaking, the hottest water resides in the top of the water tank 102, whereas the coolest water resides at the bottom of the water tank 102. More precisely, there is mixing of the different temperatures of water throughout the water tank 102 as a result of conduction and convection of the water. However, in a steady state, the water within the water tank 102 may be considered to be in stratification of temperature, wherein a level of water 120 has the coolest temperature, levels 122, 124, 126, and 128 incrementally increase in temperature, and a level 130 has the highest temperature. The levels may incrementally increase in temperature, for example, on the order of about 5° F.
The hot water output line 104 is located at the top of the water tank 102. The dip tube 106 is a long tube that extends down into the water tank 102 and carries cold water to the bottom of the water tank 102. The dip tube 106 is typically located on the side of the water tank 102. When cold water enters the water tank 102 through the dip tube, it is directed to the bottom of the water tank 102 where it is heated by the heating mechanism (heat pump, burner, electric element, etc.). In this manner, the hot water being drawn from the water tank 102 is from the top of the tank, where it is the hottest. Without the dip tube 106, cold water would enter the water tank 102 and mix with the hot water, reducing the overall temperature of the water in the water tank 102. This would result in less hot water being available for use and would also reduce the efficiency of the water heater 100.
An anti-siphon hole in a dip tube of a water heater works to prevent backflow of hot water into the cold-water supply. This will be described with reference to FIG. 1B, which depicts the water heater 100 with cold water being added to the water tank 100. The dip tube 106 includes an anti-siphon hole, which is depicted in FIG. 2, which shows an enlarged side view of the dip tube 106. The dip tube 106 has a top opening 202, a bottom opening 204, an anti-siphon hole 206, slot 208, and a hole 210. In this example, the anti-siphon hole 206 is disposed approximately 3 inches down from the top opening 202, the bottom of the slot 208 is disposed approximately 1.5 inches from the bottom opening 204, and the center of the hole 210 is disposed approximately 0.219 inches from the bottom opening 204.
The top opening 202 is configured to be connected to the pipe connecting portion 118 so as to receive cold water from the cold water input line 116. The cold water as received by the top opening 202 travels down through the dip tube 106 along a water input axis 212 and is eventually output from the bottom opening 204. A helix insert is disposed within the dip tube 106 to slow the output of cold water into the water tank 102. This will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dip tube 106 of FIG. 2. As depicted, a helix insert 302 is disposed within the dip tube 106. The helix insert 302 includes a plurality of tabs, a sample of which is indicated as a tab 208 and a tab 210. The tab 208 is configured to insert into the slot 208, whereas the tab 210 is configured to insert into the hole 210. Another set of tabs are disposed on the opposite side of the helix insert 302 and are configured to insert into a corresponding slot and hole, respectively. When inserted into corresponding slots and holes, the plurality of tabs maintain a position of the helix insert 302 and prevent the helix insert 302 from rotating as cold water flows through the helix insert 302 and out the bottom opening 204 of the dip tube 106.
When hot water is drawn from the water tank 102, the pressure in the water tank 102 drops and creates a vacuum inside the dip tube 106. Without the anti-siphon hole 206, there is a possibility that the vacuum will cause hot water to be drawn back into the cold-water supply, which is not desirable.
The anti-siphon hole 206 is a small opening located near the top of the dip tube 106 that allows air to enter the dip tube 106, breaking the vacuum and preventing backflow of hot water into the cold-water supply. As water is drawn from the water tank 102, air enters the dip tube 106 through the anti-siphon hole 206, preventing any backflow from occurring. The anti-siphon hole 206 is a feature that ensures the water in the cold-water supply remains free from the water within the water tank 102.
However, the anti-siphon hole 206 allows cold water to mix with the hot water near the top of the water tank 102. For example, returning to FIG. 1B, as shown by arrow 134, some of the cold water from the dip tube 106 exits from the anti-siphon hole 206 and into the hottest level 130, which decreases the overall temperature of the water in the hottest level 130. Furthermore, as cold water exits down from the dip tube 106, the cold water effectively “bounces” off the domed bottom 110 of the water tank 102 and up into the many levels as indicated by arrow 136. This cold water flow additionally causes currents that cause heat convention, which disturbs the levels of heated water in the water tank 102.
The purpose of the helix insert 302 is to slow the velocity of the cold water being output into the water tank 102, so as to reduce the disturbances to the levels. However, in some instances, the helix insert 302 does not sufficiently reduce the disturbances.
The combination of the cold water that is leaked from the anti-siphon hole 206 in the dip tube 106 and the water exiting down from the dip tube 106 may decrease the uniform energy factor (UEF) performance and the first hour rating (FHR) of the water heater 100. A UEF rating is a measure of the energy efficiency of the water heater 100, with higher numbers denoting more efficient units. The UEF calculation is based off of how much energy the water heater 100 uses and how much energy is used to power the water heater 100 itself.
The FHR is used to describe the efficiency of a water heater, specifically how much hot water it can supply during the first hour of use. It refers to the number of gallons of hot water that can be produced by a fully heated tank or the equivalent amount of hot water produced by a tankless water heater within the first hour of use. The FHR takes into account the size of the tank, the power of the heating mechanism, and the efficiency of the system. A higher FHR means that the water heater can produce more hot water in the first hour of use, which can be important for households that use a lot of hot water at once, such as for showering or doing laundry.
What is needed is a dip tube that prevents the cold water from leaking from the anti-siphon hole in the dip tube and prevents the water from exiting down from the dip tube in order to increase the UEF performance and the FHR of a water heater.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter and serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter in any manner.
FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a water heater.
FIG. 1B illustrates the water heater of FIG. 1A, wherein cold water is being added to the water tank.
FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged side view of the dip tube of the water heater of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a water heater in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4B illustrates the water heater of FIG. 4A with cold water is being added to the water tank in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dip tube of FIG. 5A as rotated by 90° in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the dip tube of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the dip tube of FIG. 5B in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the dip tube of FIG. 5A at a time to in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 8A at a time t1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 8A at a time t2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the dip tube and the water tank of the water heater of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10A illustrates a cross section of a portion of a dip tube having an anti-siphon hole and a one-way valve configured to cover the anti-siphon hole at a time t3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10B illustrates the cross section of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 10A at a time t4 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10C illustrates the cross section of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 10A at a time t5 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10D illustrates the cross section of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 10A at a time to in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10E illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the dip tube of FIG. 10A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10F illustrates a front view of the dip tube of FIG. 10A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11A illustrates a cross section of a portion of a dip tube having an umbrella valve within a water tank in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11B illustrates the cross section of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 11A after a negative pressure is provided within the dip tube in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12A illustrates a cross section of a portion of a dip tube having a duckbill valve within a water tank in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12B illustrates the cross section of the portion of the dip tube of FIG. 12A after a negative pressure is provided within the dip tube in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A water heater is disclosed herein. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the water heart includes a dip tube that is configured to prevent the cold water from leaking from the anti-siphon hole in the dip tube and prevent the water from exiting down from the dip tube in order to increase the UEF performance and the FHR of a water heater.
In certain embodiments, the dip tube includes a diverting diffuser at the bottom of the dip tube. The diverting diffuser is configured to prevent the cold water being provided down the dip tube along a water input axis from exiting into the water tank in a direction of the water input axis. The diverting diffuser is configured to divert the cold water being provided down the dip tube to a direction perpendicular to the water input axis and into the water tank. This directional diversion may reduce disturbances to the levels in the heated water in the water tank.
The diverting diffuser additionally is configured to diffuse the water exiting the dip tube and into the water tank to further reduce disturbances to the levels in the heated water in the tank. The diverting diffuser includes a plurality of openings. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of openings include at least one opening having a first size and another opening having a different size. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings include at least one opening having a first shape and another opening having a different shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings include at least one opening having a first shape and a first size and another opening having a different shape and a different size. Any combination of openings may be used herein.
FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a water heater 400 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The water heater 400 includes many elements of the water heater 100 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-B. However, the water heater 400 differs from the water heater 100 in that the water heater 400 includes a dip tube 402 in place of the dip tube 106 of the water heater 100. The dip tube 402 is configured to connect to the cold water input line 116 via the pipe connecting portion 118.
The dip tube 402 includes a top portion 404, a central portion 406 and a bottom portion 408. In operation, the cold water input line 116 provides cold water from a water source, such as a well or public utility. The cold water flows down the dip tube 402 and into the water tank 102 until the water tank is filled with cold water. The heating mechanism 108 heats the water in the water tank 102. Any suitable heating mechanism 108 may be used herein, including a heat pump, gas burner, electric element, renewable, or combinations thereof. As mentioned above, as the water heats, the heated water moves higher in the water tank 102. Generally speaking, the hottest water resides in the top of the water tank 102, whereas the coolest water resides at the bottom of the water tank 102.
FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dip tube 402, and FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dip tube 402 rotated by 90° relative to FIG. 5A. The top portion 404 includes a top portion input port 410, a top portion output port 412, and a snap-fit connector 414. The central portion 406 includes a snap-fit connector hole 416, an input port 418, a snap-fit connector hole 420, and an output port 422. In this manner, the central portion 406 is configured to connect to the top portion 404. The top portion 404 is configured to fit into the central portion 406 such that the snap-fit connector 414 of the top portion 404 snaps into the snap-fit connector hole 416 of the central portion 406. Accordingly, a portion 413 of the top portion 404 resides within the central portion 406 such that the top portion output port 412 is arranged below the input port 418 of the central portion 406. In this manner, the top portion output port 412 is arranged below an anti-siphon hole 424 in the central portion 406. This will be described in greater detail below.
The bottom portion 408 includes an input port 426, a closed bottom 428, a snap-fit connector 430, and a plurality of openings 432. The bottom portion 408 is configured to connect to the central portion 406. The bottom portion 408 is configured to fit into the central portion 406 such that the snap-fit connector 430 of the bottom portion 408 snaps into the snap-fit connector hole 420 of the central portion 406. Accordingly, a portion 434 of the bottom portion 408 resides within the central portion 406 such that the input port 426 of the bottom portion 408 is arranged above the output port 422 of the central portion 406.
While the top portion 404, central portion 406, and bottom portion 408 of the dip tube 402 are described above as being connected via corresponding snap-fit connectors and snap-fit connector holes, one or ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any manner of connection may be used. For example, one or more of the connections between the top portion 404, central portion 406, and bottom portion 408 of the dip tube 402 may be a threaded connection, an adhesive connect, a screwed connection, a riveted connection, or any other type of connection between lengths of tubing. In some implementations, one or more of the top portion 404, central portion 406, and bottom portion 408 of the dip tube 402 are integrally formed.
In some instances, the width of the dip tube 402 is about 0.75 inches. In some instances, the distance from the top portion input port 410 to the snap-fit connector hole 416 is about 1.771 inches. In some instances, the distance from the top portion input port 410 to the anti-siphon hole 424 is about 2.521 inches. In some instances, the diameter of the snap-fit connector holes, such as the snap-fit connector hole 416, is about 0.180 inches. In some instances, the distance from the output port 422 to the center of the snap-fit connector hole 420 is about 0.219 inches. In some instances, the length of the bottom portion 408 is about 2.5 inches. In some instances, the diameter of the anti-siphon hole 424 is about 0.125 inches. However, as will be discussed in greater detail below, this diameter may be bigger to accommodate a one way valve that when opened provides an opening of about 0.125 inches. In some instances, the length of the dip tube 402 is substantially the internal length of the water tank less a few inches. The dip tube 402 may be any suitable length. The above dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes only. Any of the dimensions disclosed herein may be larger or smaller depending on the application.
FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of the portion A of the dip tube 402 in FIG. 5A. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of openings 432 include a set of openings 602, a set of openings 604, and a set of openings 606. In certain embodiments, the set of openings 604 are positioned between the set of openings 602 and the set of openings 606. In some embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 602 has the same size, shape, and/or configuration. In other embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 602 may have different size, shapes, and/or configurations. In some embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 604 has the same size, shape, and/or configuration. In other embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 604 may have different size, shapes, and/or configurations. In some embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 606 has the same size, shape, and/or configuration. In other embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 606 may have different size, shapes, and/or configurations. In certain embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 602, the set of openings 604, and the set of openings 606 has the same size, shape, and/or configuration. In other embodiment, each opening in the set of openings 602, the set of openings 604, and the set of openings 606 may have different size, shapes, and/or configurations.
In certain embodiments, each opening in the set of openings 602 and the set of openings 604 may be oblong, and each opening in the set of openings 606 may be circular. In some instances, each circular opening in the set of openings 606 has a center that is about 0.250 inches from the bottom surface of the closed bottom 428 and has a diameter of about 0.188 inches. In such embodiments, each oblong opening in the set of openings 604 has a semicircular end having a center that is about 0.660 inches from the bottom surface of the closed bottom 428 and has a diameter of about 0.188 inches. An opposite semicircular end may include a center that is about 0.872 inches from the bottom surface of the closed bottom 428 and may include a diameter of about 0.188 inches. In such embodiments, each oblong opening in the set of openings 602 has a semicircular end having a center that is about 1.188 inches from the bottom surface of the closed bottom 428 and has a diameter of about 0.188 inches. An opposite semicircular end may include a center that is about 1.6 inches from the bottom surface of the closed bottom 428 and may include a diameter of about 0.188 inches.
In certain embodiments, the snap-fit connector hole 430 on the central portion 406 is configured such that when the bottom portion 408 is connected with the central portion 406, the snap-fit connector 420 of the bottom portion 408 connects with the snap-fit connector hole 430 such that the center of the snap-fit connector hole 430 is about 2.090 inches from the bottom surface of the closed bottom 428.
In one or more embodiments in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a flow diverter may be positioned within the inner diameter of the dip tube to form a cavity that extends from the siphon hole to a bottom of the flow diverter. Accordingly, the cavity prevents cold water from bleeding out of the dip tube through the siphon hole and into the hot water near the top of the hot water tank. Some non-limiting example embodiments of such a flow diverter will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 7-8C.
FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of the portion B of the dip tube 402 of FIG. 5B. In certain embodiments, the snap-fit connector hole 416 on the central portion 406 is configured such that when the top portion 404 is connected to the central portion 406, the snap-fit connector 414 of the top portion 404 connects with the snap-fit connector hole 416 such that the center of the snap-fit connector hole 416 is about 1.771 inches from the top portion input port 410 of the top portion 404. In some embodiments, the top portion 404 has a length of about 3.150 inches. In some instances, the portion 413 of the top portion 402 that resides within the central portion 406 includes a tapered section 702 and a narrowed cylindrical section 704. The tapered section decreases the diameter of the top portion 402 from a maximum diameter that matches the inner diameter of the central portion 406 to a smaller diameter of the narrowed cylindrical section 704. In some embodiments, the maximum diameter of the top portion 404 that matches the inner diameter of the central portion 406 is about 0.655 inches. In such instances, the diameter of the narrowed cylindrical section 704 is about 0.620 inches, leaving a radial distance between the narrowed cylindrical section 704 and the inner diameter of the central portion 406 of about 0.035 inches. A cylindrical space 706 is formed by the radial distance between the narrowed cylindrical section 704 and the inner diameter of the central portion 406. The purpose of the cylindrical space 706 will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8A-C.
FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the dip tube 402 at a time to. As shown in FIG. 8A, the water level in the water tank 102 is illustrated by double arrow 808. Cold water is provided down through the dip tube 402 along a water input axis 802 as shown by arrow 804. The cold water exits the top portion output port 412 of the top portion 404 and into the central portion 406. Gravity draws the cold water down through the central portion 406. Because the anti-siphon hole 424 is above the top portion output port 412 of the top portion 404, in order for the cold water to leak out of the anti-siphon hole 424, the water would have to travel up through the cylindrical space 706, against gravity, and exit the anti-siphon hole 424 as shown by a dotted path 806, which it cannot do (as shown by the large “X”).
For purposes of discussion, if a water utility shuts down the water supply, for example, to perform maintenance. In such a case, not only will cold water stop being supplied down through the dip tube 402, but a back pressure may be created which will suck water from the water tank 102 back into the municipal water system. This will be described with reference to FIG. 8B.
FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the dip tube 402 of FIG. 8A at a time t1. In this example, at time t1, the water from the municipal water utility has shut down the water supply, which in turn causes a negative pressure in the dip tube 402 as shown by dotted arrow 810 in a direction along the water input axis 802, but up and out of the dip tube 402. This negative pressure would normally siphon all the water from the water tank 102 via the dip tube 402. However, the negative pressure pulls water through the anti-siphon hole 424. In particular, hot water from the level 130 is pulled through the anti-siphon hole 424, travels down through the cylindrical space 706, and then is pulled up through the top portion output port 412. The water from the level 130 continues to be siphoned through the anti-siphon hole 424 in this manner until the water level in the water tank 102 drops to the anti-siphon hole 424.
FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the dip tube 402 at a time t2, wherein the water level in the water tank 102 drops to the anti-siphon hole 424. In this example, at time t2, the water has continued to siphon though the anti-siphon hole 424, thus draining the water from the water tank 102 until the water level drops to the anti-siphon hole 424 as shown by double arrow 812. At this point in time, air is pulled through the anti-siphon hole 424, thus breaking the siphon, wherein water is no longer sucked up through the dip tube 402 and into the municipal water supply.
In this manner, the configuration of the top portion 404 with the anti-siphon hole 424 disposed thereon in combination with the central portion 406 disposed within the top portion 404 enables the anti-siphon hole 424 to provide an anti-siphon feature without bleeding cold water into the level 130 of the water tank 102 as is the case with water heater 100 discussed above. In this case, the narrowed cylindrical section 704 acts as a flow diverter positioned within the inner diameter of the dip tube to form the cavity, the cylindrical space 706, that extends from the siphon hole 424 to a bottom of the narrowed cylindrical section 704, the flow diverter. Because the configuration of the top portion 404 with the anti-siphon hole 424 disposed thereon in combination with the central portion 406 disposed within the top portion 404 enables the anti-siphon hole 424 to provide an anti-siphon feature without bleeding cold water into the level 130, water heater 400 provides an increase in the UEF performance and the FHR as compared to that of the water heater 100.
It should be noted that a flow diverter may be configured with other shapes and sizes within the scope of the present disclosure.
The UEF performance and the FHR is further improved over that of the water heater 100 as a result of the diverting and diffusing function of the bottom portion 408. This will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9.
FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the dip tube 402 and the water tank 102 of the water heater 400. As shown in FIG. 9, the dip tube 402 is configured such that the closed bottom 428 of the dip tube 402 is approximately about 0.416 inches above the domed bottom 110. The closed bottom 428 of the bottom portion 408 is configured to prevent water from exiting along the water input axis 802. Accordingly, the bottom portion 408 diverts the flow of water from the cold water input line 116 from exiting into the water tank 102 into a direction that is perpendicular to the water input axis 802 as indicated by arrows 902, 904 and 906. In this manner, the bottom portion 408 acts as a water diverter and diffuser. In particular, returning to FIG. 6, the closed bottom 428 prevents water from the cold water input line 116 from exiting out of the dip tube 402 in a direction along the water input axis 802. In this manner, the bottom portion 408 acts as a water diverter. Because the water from the cold water input line 116 is prevented from exiting out of the dip tube 402 in a direction along the water input axis 802, the water from the cold water input line 116 is alternatively output from the bottom portion via the set of openings 602, the set of openings 604, and the set of openings 606.
FIG. 4B illustrates the water heater 400, wherein cold water is being added to the water tank 102. As shown in FIG. 4B, water being added to the water tank exits from the bottom portion 408 of the dip tube 402. As a result of the diverting function of the bottom portion 408, the water does not travel straight down and “bounce” off the domed bottom 110 as is the case in the water heater 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1B. On the contrary, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the water exits the bottom portion 408 of the dip tube 402 in a direction that is perpendicular to the water input axis 802. Further, as a result of the diffusing function of the bottom portion 408, all the water does not exit out from a single output port as is the case in the water heater 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1B. On the contrary, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the water exits the bottom portion 408 of the dip tube 402 in a diffused manner through multiple openings, thus reducing the volume and speed of water exiting out of any single opening in any single direction.
As a result of convection, the diverted and diffused cold water does mix somewhat with the levels within the water tank 102 as indicated by a representative travel vector 410. However, this mixing is drastically reduced from that of the dip tube 106 of the water heater 100 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1B. Therefore, the diverting and diffusion function of the bottom portion 408 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure increases the UEF performance and the FHR of the water heater 400 over that of the water heater 100. More so, as compared to the dip tube 106 of the water heater 100, no cold water that is provided into the dip tube 402 bleeds out through the anti-siphon hole 424. By configuring the anti-siphon hole 424 above the top portion output port 412, the dip tube 402 increases the UEF performance and the FHR of the water heater 400 over that of the water heater 100.
Regardless of the configuration of the anti-siphon hole 424, in some instances, a dip tube may be configured to prevent cold water from bleeding out into the hot water of a water tank with the implementation of a one-way valve disposed so as to cover the anti-siphon hole. This will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 10A-12B.
FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate a flap disposed about an anti-siphon hole in a dip tube and configured to act as a one-way valve. In particular, FIG. 10A illustrates a cross section of a portion of a dip tube 1000 having an anti-siphon hole 1002 and a one-way valve 1004 configured to cover the anti-siphon hole 1002 at a time t3. The one-way valve 1004 includes a retaining head 1006 and a flexible body 1008. The dip tube 1000 includes a mounting hole 1010 configured to receive the retaining head 1006, such that when the retaining head 1006 is pushed through the mounting hole 1010, the flexible body 1008 rests against the inner wall 1012 of the dip tube 1000.
For purposes of discussion, let the water level in the water tank be shown as the double arrow 1014, and let cold water be provided into the water tank through the dip tube 1000 as shown by arrow 1016 along a water input axis 1018. Now suppose the water utility shuts down the water supply, for example, to perform maintenance. In such a case, not only will cold water stop being supplied down through the dip tube 1000, but a back pressure may be created which will suck water from the water tank back into the municipal water system. This will be described with reference to FIG. 10B.
FIG. 10B illustrates the cross section of a portion of the dip tube 1000 of FIG. 10A at a time t4. In this example, at time t4, the water from the municipal water utility has shut down the water supply, which in turn causes a negative pressure in the dip tube 1000 as shown by dotted arrow 1020 in a direction along the water input axis 1018, but up and out of the dip tube 1000. This negative pressure would normally siphon all the water from the water tank via the dip tube 1000. However, the negative pressure pulls the flexible body 1008 of the one-way valve 1004 such that water is pulled through the anti-siphon hole 1002. In particular, hot water from the water tank is pulled through the now-open anti-siphon hole 1002, travels down and around the flexible body 1008 of the one-way valve 1004, and then is pulled up through the dip tube 1000 as shown by arrow 1022. At this time t4, the water level in the water tank is now shown by the double arrow 1024. The hot water tank continues to be siphoned through the anti-siphon hole 1002 in this manner until the water level in the water tank drops to the anti-siphon hole 1002.
FIG. 10C illustrates the cross section of a portion of the dip tube 1000 of FIG. 10A at a time t5. In this example, at time t5, the water level in the water tank has dropped just below the opening of the anti-siphon hole 1002 as shown by the double arrow 1026. At this point in time, air within the partially emptied water tank is pulled through the anti-siphon hole 1002, travels down and around the flexible body 1008 of the one-way valve 1004, and then is pulled up through the dip tube 1000 as shown by arrow 1026. The air breaks the negative pressure, thus destroying the siphon and preventing more water from being siphoned back to the municipal water system.
FIG. 10D illustrates the cross section of a portion of the dip tube 1000 of FIG. 10A at a time t6. In this example, at time to, there is no longer a negative pressure to pull the flexible body 1008 away from the inner wall 1012 of the dip tube 1000. As a result, the flexible body 1008 snaps back against the inner wall 1012 of the dip tube 1000 and covers the anti-siphon hole 1002. When the water supply is returned, the dip tube 1000 will then provide cold water into the water tank as discussed above with reference to FIG. 10A, without bleeding any cold water into the water tank through the anti-siphon hole 1002.
FIG. 10E illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the dip tube 1000 of FIG. 10A, whereas FIG. 10F illustrates a front view of the dip tube 1000 of FIG. 10A. In some instances, the one-way valve 1004 may be generally tear drop shaped and include a protrusion sized and shaped to nest within the anti-siphon hole 1002 when in the positon as shown in FIG. 10A.
FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an umbrella valve acting as a one-way valve disposed about and configured to cover an anti-siphon hole in a dip tube. FIG. 11A illustrates a cross section of a portion of a dip tube within a water tank. The inside of the dip tube is indicated as space 1100, whereas the outside of the dip tube and within the water tank is indicated as a space 1102. The dip tube includes a wall 1104 having a mounting hole 1106, an anti-siphon hole 1108, and an anti-siphon hole 1110. An umbrella valve 1114 includes a central retaining portion 1116 and an outer flexible portion 1118. The mounting hole 1106 is configured to receive the central retaining portion 1116 such that when the central retaining portion 1116 is pushed through the mounting hole 1106, the outer flexible portion 1118 rests against the wall 1104 of the dip tube so as to cover the anti-siphon hole 1108 and the anti-siphon hole 1110.
For purposes of discussion, let the water level in the water tank be shown as the double arrow 1116, and let cold water be provided into the water tank through the dip tube as shown by arrow 1118 along a water input axis. Now suppose the water utility shuts down the water supply, for example, to perform maintenance. In such a case, not only will cold water stop being supplied down through the dip tube, but a back pressure may be created which will suck water from the water tank back into the municipal water system. This will be described with reference to FIG. 11B.
FIG. 11B illustrates the cross section of a portion of the dip tube of FIG. 11A at a time when the water from the municipal water utility has shut down the water supply. A negative pressure develops in the dip tube as shown by dotted arrow 1120 in a direction along the water input axis, but up and out of the dip tube. This negative pressure would normally siphon all the water from the water tank via the dip tube. However, the negative pressure pulls the outer flexible portion 1118 such that water is pulled through the anti-siphon hole 1108 and 1110. In particular, hot water from the water tank is pulled through the now-open anti-siphon holes 1108 and 1110, travels around the outer flexible portion 1118, and then is pulled up through the dip tube as shown by arrows 1122 and 1124. At this time, the water level in the water tank is now shown by the double arrow 1124. The hot water tank continues to be siphoned through the anti-siphon hole in this manner until the water level in the water tank drops to the anti-siphon holes 1108. At that point, the siphon is broken, and the umbrella valve returns to the state as shown in FIG. 11A.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a duckbill valve 1208 acting as a one-way valve disposed about and configured to cover an anti-siphon hole in a dip tube. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a cross section of a portion of a dip tube within a water tank. The inside of the dip tube is indicated as space 1200, whereas the outside of the dip tube and within the water tank is indicated as a space 1202. The dip tube includes a wall 1204 having a mounting hole 1206. A duckbill valve 1208 includes a central opening 1210, an outer retaining flange 1212, an inner retaining flange 1214, and flexible flaps 1216 and 1218. The mounting hole 1206 is configured to receive the duckbill valve 1208 such that when pushed through the mounting hole 1206, the inner retaining flange 1214 rests against the inside of the wall 1204 and the outer retaining flange 1212 rests against the outside of the wall 1204.
The duckbill valve 1208 is a type of one-way check valve that allows flow in only one direction. It is called a “duckbill” valve because the shape of the flexible flaps 1216 and 1218 resembles that of a duck's bill.
The duckbill valve 1208 is configured such that the flexible flaps 1216 and 1218 press together forming an opening that is normally closed, but when the pressure of the fluid inside the dip tube exceeds the pressure outside the duckbill valve 1208, the flexible flaps 1216 and 1218 are forced apart, allowing water from the water tank to flow through the duckbill valve 1218. When the pressure differential between space 1200 and space 1202 is reversed, the pressure in space 1202 compresses the flexible flaps 1216 and 1218 back together, closing the slit and preventing backflow.
For purposes of discussion, let the water level in the water tank be shown as the double arrow 1220, and let cold water be provided into the water tank through the dip tube as shown by arrow 1222 along a water input axis. Now suppose the water utility shuts down the water supply, for example, to perform maintenance. In such a case, not only will cold water stop being supplied down through the dip tube, but a back pressure may be created which will suck water from the water tank back into the municipal water system. This will be described with reference to FIG. 12B.
FIG. 12B illustrates the cross section of a portion of the dip tube of FIG. 12A at a time when the water from the municipal water utility has shut down the water supply. A negative pressure develops in the dip tube as shown by dotted arrow 1224 in a direction along the water input axis, but up and out of the dip tube. This negative pressure would normally siphon all the water from the water tank via the dip tube. However, the negative pressure pulls water through central opening 1210 and forces the flexible flaps 1216 and 1218 apart. In particular, hot water from the water tank is pulled through the now-open flexible flaps 1216 and 1218, and then is pulled up through the dip tube as shown by arrow 1226. At this time, the water level in the water tank is now shown by the double arrow 1228. The hot water tank continues to be siphoned through the duckbill valve 1208 in this manner until the water level in the water tank drops to the opening between the flexible flaps 1216 and 1218. At that point, the siphon is broken and the duckbill valve 1208 returns to the state as shown in FIG. 12A.
It should be noted that a one-way valve disposed so as to cover the anti-siphon hole in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be a stand-alone solution to prevent cold water from bleeding out into the hot water at the top of a hot water tank. Further, a one-way valve disposed so as to cover the anti-siphon hole in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with dip tube configurations discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5A-8C as solutions to prevent cold water from bleeding out into the hot water at the top of a hot water tank.
Conventional dip tubes leak cold water into the hottest portion of water in a hot water tank from the required anti-siphon hole. Further, conventional dip tubes cause drastic mixing of cold water with the previously stored hot water as a result of the newly added cold water bouncing off the bottom of the water tank. As will be appreciated, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a dip tube is configured to prevent cold water from leaking through an anti-siphon hole and into the hottest portion of water in a hot water tank. In addition, a bottom portion of the dip tube is configured to divert the water leaving the dip tube away from the bottom of the water tank and to diffuse the water so as to reduce convection and the circulation sediment. The many aspects of the present disclosure increase the UEF performance and the FHR of a water heater over that of a conventional water heater.
While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described subject matter for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. In this disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. But other equivalent methods or compositions to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.
Moreover, the various diagrams and figures presented herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered exhaustive. That is, the systems described herein can include one or more additional components, such as various valves, expansions tanks, and the like, as will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.
Patent Application
20250198655
