WO2021245584A1

WO2021245584A1 - A water heater assembly and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2021245584A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/054854
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antoine Morel; Amau MALHERE
Original assignee: Groupe Atlantic Synergy
Priority date: 2020-06-05
Filing date: 2021-06-03
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Also published as: WO2021245584A9

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a water heater assembly (100) for raising temperature of water present in a container. The water heater assembly (100) comprising a housing (1). A heating element (2) disposed in the housing (1). The housing (1) is a shield (9) constructed such that providing support to the water heater assembly (100) to stand alone inside and outside the container (200) weight (10) integrated at bottom end (9be) of the shield (9), thereby improving stability to support the water heater assembly (100) to stand alone inside and outside the container (200). The shield thereby providing support to the water heater to stand alone inside and outside a container. The shield enclosing the heating element provide support to the water heater, safety to the user by preventing the user from touching the heating element and improve water mixing.

Description

“A WATER HEATER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREOF”

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of water heaters. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to water heater assembly and method thereof. Further embodiments of the present disclosure describe the immersion type water heater assembly to heat water for domestic purposes.

BACKGROUND

[002] In the present scenario, the immersion type water heaters (hereinafter referred to as “water heaters”) are widely used for raising temperature of water at extreme levels. These water heaters are generic water heaters which are in the form of a rod or an elongated body. The water heaters disclosed in the art are related to tankless water heaters that are usually used in domestic purposes for heating water present in a container. The heated water can be used in domestic purposes for example - bathing, washing utensils and/or clothes and in other application fields. The existing water heaters mainly comprise of a head portion, a heating element, a power cord and a power plug. The heating element is fixed to the head portion, wherein the head portion comprises various electrical components to control/guide flow of current to the heating element. The heating element is immersed in water in such a way that the head portion lies above the water surface.

[003] However, the existing water heaters do not provide proper safety to users during and after working condition. The heating element of existing water heater is not provided with any kind of thermal protection. The existing water heater is usually provided with a mounting in order to place the water heater on circumference of the container. Therefore, during working conditions the heating element gets red hot and may result in burning of walls of the container. Further, in the absence of thermal protection around the heating element, the chances of the user getting burnt also increases. [004] Further, the existing water heaters firstly raise the temperature of water present in the container at uppermost level of the container. Thus, the existing water heaters do not facilitate uniform heating of water present in the container. Further, the immersion type water heaters are also not provided with automatic power cut-off means to prevent dry heating of the heating element. Therefore, overheating of the heating element often results in decrease in lifetime of the heating element. The existing immersion type water heaters are not provided with ELCB (Earth leakage circuit breaker) or PRCD (Portable Residual Current Device) module to protect the user against any electric leakage risk (ex: heating element broken).

[005] Generally, various kind of water heaters that are used as an immersion type water heaters are present in the market to raise the temperature of water but a very few from them are capable to provide efficient safety measures for the users as described above. Some relevant prior arts are discussed below:

[006] CN202059889U (hereinafter referred as CN’889): This document refers to a heating rod that is used for heating water present in fish tanks. The heating rod comprises heating wire elements which are present inside the glass tube. The heating rod is provided with a temperature sensing probe which determines the temperature of the water in the fish tank and a water level sensing element sensing the level of water present in the tank. The heating rod is provided with plastic protective jacket on the outside of the glass tube body. The plastic protective jacket prevents the pets inside the fish tank from getting injured. However, the heating rod is used to heat the water up to a certain extent and to maintain the ambient temperature of water in the fish tanks.

[007] CN201182018Y (hereinafter referred as CN’018): This document discloses a heating device for heating drinking water present inside a cup or a bottle. The heating device comprises of two electrode rods connected to a plug type base portion, wherein the two rods increase the temperature of water. The two rods are provided with the insulation cover. The insulation cover is integrally molded with the base portion at bottom end. However, the insulation cover disclosed in CN’018 configured around the two electrode rods do not facilitate the mounting and/or positioning of the heating device inside the cup and/or bottle.

[008] US3560707A (hereinafter referred as US’707): This document relates to construction of heating rod consisting of a heating coil embedded in an insulating body. The heating rod is used in aquariums and fish tanks. The coil is surrounded with an insulating ceramic jacket which is itself contained in an outer protective glass tube. Further, a conical cap is attached at the bottom end of the heating rod for protecting it from colliding with walls of the container. However, the heating rod disclosed in US’707 is considered as an integral part of the aquarium and is used to heat the water up to a certain extent and to maintain the ambient temperature of water in the fish tanks

[009] In view of above shortcomings, a portable water heater assembly is disclosed that can overcome the one or more limitations of the existing water heaters.

[010] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[Oil] One or more shortcomings of existing water heaters have been overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the structure as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[012] The limitations of the prior arts are addressed to a great extent by a water heater assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure. [013] The water heater assembly comprising a housing, a heating element disposed in the housing. The housing is a shield constructed such that providing support to the water heater assembly to stand alone inside and outside the container.

[014] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a top part removably attached to a bottom part of the housing.

[015] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a timer comprising a knob is disposed inside the top part of the housing.

[016] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the timer is disposed on a power socket of the water heater.

[017] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly comprises a thermostat being provided inside a sleeve attached with the heating element.

[018] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the heating element disposed at distal end of the top part of the housing.

[019] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermostat is adapted to cut-off the power supply during overheating and/or during dry heating of the heating element.

[020] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the water heater assembly comprises an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker [ELCB] or Portable Residual Current Device [PRCD] module mounted on the power cord or power socket or top part of the water heater.

[021] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing is made from any low conductivity material such as plastic. [022] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the top part and the handle being provided with or without a provision to store a power cord. .

[023] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the shield enclosing the heating element comprises plurality of apertures to facilitate uniform heating of water and to facilitate water mixing by reducing temperature difference of water at top and bottom level of the container the shield.

[024] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a weight is integrated at bottom end of the shield to provide stability to the water heater assembly.

[025] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a metallic frame is integrated to inner surface of the shield to strengthen the shield.

[026] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the shield comprising preferably, not limited to a cylindrical shaped structure enclosing the heating element providing support to the water heater.

[027] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a metallic ring is integrated to inner part of the shield up to a predetermined height from the bottom end to facilitate heat dissipation.

[028] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, further aspects and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[030] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[031] FIG.l(a) illustrates a perspective view of a water heater placed inside a container, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[032] FIG.l(b) illustrates a perspective view of a water heater placed inside a container, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[033] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the water heater placed inside the container of Fig. l;

[034] FIG. 3(a) illustrates a perspective view of top part of the water heater of Fig. 2;

[035] FIG. 3(b) illustrates a front view of the top part of Fig. 3(a);

[036] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the water heater, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[037] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the water heater of Fig. 4;

[038] FIG. 6 illustrates another side of the water heater of Fig. 4; [039] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a heating element assembled with a sensor sleeve and flange, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[040] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged cross-section view of the water heater with a weight attached at bottom of shield, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[041] FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-section view of the water heater with a metallic frame attached at inner surface of the shield, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[042] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section view of the water heater with a metallic ring attached at inner bottom surface of the shield, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[043] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged cross-section view of the water heater of Fig. 10;

[044] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[045] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[046] FIG. 14(a) illustrates a perspective view of the shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[047] FIG. 14(b) illustrates a front view of the shield of Fig. 14(a);

[048] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [049] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[050] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[051] FIG. 18(a)-18(c) illustrates a perspective view of operating the water heater, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[052] FIG. 19(a) - Fig. 19(d) illustrates a perspective view of assembling-disassembling the top part of the water heater, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[053] FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of components the water heater, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[054] FIG. 21 illustrates another block diagram of components the water heater, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[055] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the objective of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[056] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[057] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify construction of the water heater to raise the temperature of water for utilizing in domestic purposes. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[058] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[059] The present disclosure relates a water heater assembly (hereinafter referred to as “water heater”) for raising temperature of water present in a container. The water heater as disclosed in present disclosure particularly relates to an immersion type water heater. The expression ‘immersion type’ herein refers to a water heater which is submerged in water during heating. The water heater assembly comprises a heating element, a housing, an ELCB (Earth leakage circuit breaker) or Portable Residual Current Device [PRCD] module and a timer. The heating element is provided with a thermostat to detect the temperature of the heating element. The heating element is preferably a heating rod which comprises multiple terminals for allowing flow of current through the heating element. The heating element provides resistance to the flow of current that in turn results in raise in temperature of the heating element. The thermostat facilitates to cut-off the power supply to the heating element during overheating. The thermostat is also adapted to cut-off the power supply during dry heating of the heating element.

[060] The heating element, thermostat and the timer are enclosed inside the housing. The housing is a shield constructed in such a way that the housing provides support to the water heater assembly to stand alone inside and outside the container. In an embodiment, the housing comprises a top part and a bottom part, wherein the top part provides is adapted to provide housing for electric connection and additional components for example the timer, the thermostat. The top part comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the heating element is disposed at distal end. A handle for holding and placing the water heater is disposed at proximal end of the top part. The handle is integrated with the top part of the housing. The handle also facilitates to store a power cord of the water heater. The handle may removably attached with the top part of the housing. The top part further comprises a Human Machine Interface (hereinafter referred as ”HMI”) module having a plurality of light indicators showing power/heating status and/or markings for temperature setting or markings for timer setting. The top part is removably connected to the bottom part of the housing by connecting means such as locking arms. Further, the connecting means may comprise of fasteners, snap-fit mechanism, and similar other means to removably lock the top part to the bottom part. The locking arms are provided at distal end of the top part adapted to receive in the respective holes of the bottom part. The locking arms comprise an L-shaped structure to connect the top part with the bottom part.

[061] The bottom part comprises a shield having preferably, not limited to a cylindrical shaped structure enclosing the heating element. However, any structure of shield can be assembled around the heating element to facilitate uniform heating of water. The shield provides safety to the user and prevents accidental burns during and/or after operating conditions. The shield as disclosed in the present disclosure comprises a plurality of apertures to facilitate uniform heating of water present in the container. The shield comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end comprises plurality of slots adapted to receive the locking arms of the top part. A weight which is integrated at the bottom end of the shield. The shield provides support to the water heater assembly to stand alone in a container and outside the container like on ground, floor or on any surface. In an embodiment of the present disclosure the weight being attached at bottom end of the shield improves the stability of the water heater. The expression ‘stand alone’ refers to the water heater positioning itself in the container or outside the container without any support. The stand alone feature of the shield facilitates positioning of the water heater in the container irrespective of availability of external mounting portion. The water heater in accordance with the present disclosure do not require any kind of mounting portion like - walls of the container, any other external element to mount the water heater on it. Further, the stand alone feature of the shield provide support to the water heater to stand still inside the container and facilitate uniform and continuous heating of the water present in the container. The stand alone feature also prevent the burning of walls or damaging the container during over heating of the water element. Further, after the operating conditions the stand alone feature facilitates the water heater to stand still outside the container and allow heating element to cool down without risk of damaging the surrounding or burning people.

[062] The shield as disclosed in the present disclosure is manufactured in different shapes to improve the water mixing effect during operating conditions. The shapes and sizes of plurality of apertures on the shield facilitates uniform raise in temperature of the water present at different levels in the container. The shield comprises a water level indicator having markings for minimum and maximum quantity of water to prevent malfunctioning of the water heater. Further, the ELCB or PRCD module communicatively connected with the heating element prevents electric risks due to breakage of heating element or faulty heating element by cutting-off the power supply. The ELCB or PRCD module is mounted on the power cord to enhance safety of the user. Further, the ELCB or PRCD in another embodiment may be mounted inside the top part of the water heater assembly.

[063] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs.1 to 23. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. [064] Fig.1(a), Fig. 1(b) and Fig. 2 depicts a water heater (100) placed inside a container (200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig.s 3 to 6, the water heater (100) comprises a housing (1), a heating element (2), a timer (3), a handle (4), a power cord (5) and an ELCB or PRCD module (11). The heating element (2) comprises a pair of terminals (2a) to allow flow of current through the heating element (2). A thermostat is adapted to detect the temperature of the heating element (2). The thermostat is placed inside a thermostat sleeve (8), wherein the sleeve (8) is brazed with the heating element (2) to precisely detect temperature of the heating element (2). The housing (1) is a shield (9) constructed in such a way that the housing (1) provide support to the water heater assembly (100) to stand alone inside and outside the container. According to an embodiment, the housing (1) is made of a low conductivity material such as plastic, preferably polypropylene or nylon.

[065] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing (1) comprises a top part

(la) and a bottom part (lb). The top part (la) of the housing (1) provides housing for electric connections and a timer (3). The top part (la) comprises a proximal end (lc) and a distal end (Id). The handle (4) is disposed at the proximal end (lc). The handle (4) is integrated with the top part (la) of the housing (1). Further, the handle (4) may be removably attached with the top part (la) of the housing (1) by mechanical means. The handle (4) comprises a cavity adapted to receive a power cord (5) of the water heater (100). The handle (4) facilitates easy holding and placing of the water heater (100) by a user in the container (200) and/or outside the container (200). The top part (la) comprises an HMI module having a plurality of light indicators showing power/heating status and/or markings for temperature setting or markings for timer setting. The top part (la) is removably connected to the bottom part (lb) of the housing (1) by connecting means such as plurality of locking arms (le). Further, the connecting means may comprise of fasteners, snap-fit mechanism, and similar other means to removably lock the top part ( 1 a) to the bottom part

(lb) of the housing (1). The locking arms (le) provided at the distal end (Id) of the top part (la). The locking arms (le) having a “L-shaped” structure facilitates to secure the top part (la) with the bottom part (lb) of the housing (1). Further, any shape of locking arms may be utilized by a person skilled in the art to removably lock the top part ( 1 a) to the bottom part (lb). Further, other assembling methods may be utilized to assemble top part (la) with the bottom part (lb). In an embodiment, the locking arms (le) may be a pair of snap locks. The locking arms (le) facilitate easy assembling and disassembling of the top part (la) with the bottom part (lb).

[066] In an embodiment of present disclosure, the top part (la) of the housing (1) comprises the timer (3). The timer (3) comprises a knob (3a) preferably a rotating knob for defining the time period for heating the water. The timer (3) in accordance with the present disclosure is a mechanical timer. However, any suitable timer can be utilized with the water heater (100) in accordance with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the knob (3a) is adapted to rotate in clockwise in one direction as the user applies a twisting moment on it in order to define the heating time period. The knob (3a) is biased to rotate in another direction when the external twisting moment is removed. The top part ( la) is provided with markings around the knob (3 a) indicating a time scale to define the time period for heating the water. When the knob (3a) reaches to its initial position the power supply to the heating element (2) is stopped to prevent over heating of the heating element (2). Further, an acoustic device may be attached with the timer (3) to inform/alert the user as soon as the knob (3 a) reaches its initial position indicating that the predefined time for heating the water is over.

[067] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing ( 1) is a shield (9) enclosing the heating element (2). The shield (9) comprises a plurality of apertures (9a), a bottom end (9be) and a water level indicator (9e). The specific shape and size of apertures (9a) facilitate uniform heating and circulation of water. The shape and size of plurality of apertures (9a) may vary to improve the water mixing effect. The water level indicator (9e) provides indication for minimum and maximum level of water present in the container (200). The shield comprises a top end (9te) having plurality of slots (If) adapted to receive the locking arms (le). The locking arms (le) facilitates the assembling of the top part (la) with the bottom part (lb) of the housing (1). The shield (9) provides support to the water heater (100) to stand alone inside and outside the container (200). Referring to Fig. 7, a flange (7) is positioned in between the top part (la) and the bottom part (lb) of the housing (1). The flange (7) comprises plurality of holes (7b) to facilitate assembling of the flange (7) with the top part (la) of the housing (1). The flange (7) is assembled with the top part (la) by means of fasteners, preferably screws (not shown in figures). The flange (7) is braced with the heating element (2). The flange (7) is adapted to receive the terminals (2a) of the heating element (2) and the thermostat. An epoxy resin may be used to protect the live parts enclosed in the top part (la).

[068] Referring to Fig.s 8 - 11, the cross section view of different embodiments of the water heater (100) comprising different type of attachments with the shield (9) are shown. As shown in Fig. 8, a weight (10) is integrated at the bottom end (9be) of the shield (9) thereby providing improving stability to the water heater (100) to stand alone inside and outside the container (200). The weight (10) added at the bottom end (9be) of the shield (9) lowers the center of gravity of the water heater (100) and improves the stability to stand alone inside the container (200). The shield (9) disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure is designed in such a way that the shield (9) provides support to the water heater (100) and prevents the user from getting injured by accidently touching the heating element (2). The shield (9) facilitates to protect the user and the objects in the nearby environment from hot heating element. In an embodiment of the present disclosure and referring to Fig. 9, a metallic frame (9c) is integrated to the inner surface of the shield (9) to improve mechanical strength of the shield (9). The metallic fame (9c) may increase the lifetime of the shield (9).

[069] Referring to Fig. 10-11, the water heater (100) may comprise a metallic ring (9d) integrated to the inner bottom surface of the shield (9). The metallic ring (9d) may provide thermal protection to the shield (9) by reflecting heat radiations emitting from the heating element (2) and improving heat dissipation. The metallic ring (9d) molded with the shield (9) may increase the lifetime of the shield (9).

[070] Referring to Fig.s 12-17, the shield (9) having different structures (9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, 9k) comprising different shapes of plurality of apertures (9a) are shown. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of apertures (9a) are positioned and designed to improve the water mixing effect and facilitate uniform heating of water present at different levels in the container (200). The structure of shield (9) is designed in such a way that the shield (9) use a venturi effect to improve water circulation in the container (200). The structure of shield (9) facilitates water mixing effect by reducing temperature difference of water at top and bottom level of the container (200).

[071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of using a water heater (100) for heating water in a container (200) is disclosed. Referring to Fig.s 18(a)-18(c), the method of using the water heater (100) comprising steps of holding a handle (4) of the water heater (100) and placing the water heater (100) inside the container (200). In next step, a power plug (6) of the water heater (100) is inserted into the socket to allow flow of current to the water heater (100) and rotating the knob (3a) in clockwise direction to define heating time of the water present in the container (200).

[072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a method of assembling the water heater assembly is disclosed as illustrated in Fig. 19(a)- 19(d). The method to disassemble top part (la) from bottom part (lb) comprises steps of holding a handle (4) of a top part (la) and rotating the handle (4) in counterclockwise direction. In next step the top part (la) can be pulled in an upward direction to remove a heating element (2) from the bottom part (lb). The direction upward refers to the direction along an axis (X-X) as shown in Fig. 19(b). The removably connected top and bottom part (lb) facilitates easier maintenance of the heating element (2) thereby increasing the life of the water heater (100). The method to assemble the top part (la) with the bottom part (lb) comprises steps of holding the handle (4) of the top part (la) and inserting the heating element (2) attached with the top part (la) inside the bottom part (lb) along the axis (X-X) as shown in Fig. 19(c). In next step the top part (la) can be placed on the bottom part ( lb) such that plurality of locking arms (le) receive in plurality of slots (If) on the bottom part (lb). In the final step rotating the top part (la) in clockwise direction to assemble the top part (la) with the bottom part (lb). The top part (la) and bottom part (lb) of the water heater (100) comprising the plurality of locking arms (le) and slots (If) respectively facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of the water heater (100). [073] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 a block diagram of different components of the water heater (100) is shown. The timer (3) may be mounted either on the top part (la) of the housing (1) or in the power socket. The ELCB or PRCD module (11) is communicatively connected to the heating element (2) and may be mounted on the power socket to optimize structure of the water heater (100). Further, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the ELCB or PRCD module (11) may be mounted inside the top part (la) of the water heater (100). The ELCB or PRCD module (11) protect the user against any electric leakage risk by cutting-off the power supply to the water heater (100).

[074] A water heater assembly in accordance with the present disclosure provides safety to the user by preventing the user from touching heating element. The shield structure provided around the heating element provides support to the water heater to stand alone. The stand alone feature of the water heater eliminate the requirement of external mounting portion like - wall of the container, which was required in existing water heaters. The shield comprising plurality of apertures facilitate uniform heating of the water present in the container. The shield designed in such a way that the shield facilitates proper mixing of water by using a venturi effect. The structure of shield improves natural convection and water circulation inside the container. The ELCB or PRCD module attached with the water heater in accordance with the present disclosure prevents electric shock to the user against any electric leakage risk by cutting-off the power supply to the water heater. The water heater comprising a timer prevents over heating of the heating element resulting in increase in lifetime of the water heater. The thermostat attached with the heating element detects the temperature of the heating element and cut-off the power supply during over-heating. Further, the thermostat is also adapted to cut-off the power supply during dry heating of the heating element.

[075] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a structure of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

[076] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[077] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals:

Claims

The Claims:

1. A water heater assembly (100) comprising: a housing (1); a heating element (2) disposed in the housing (1); wherein the housing (1) is a shield (9) constructed such that providing support to the water heater assembly (100) to stand alone inside and outside the container (200).

2.The water heater assembly ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a top part (la) removably attached to a bottom part (lb) of the housing (1).

3. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating element (2) is disposed at distal end (Id) of the top part (la) of the housing (1).

4. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a timer (3) comprising a knob (3a) is disposed inside the top part (la) of the housing (1).

5. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the timer (3) is disposed on a power socket (6) of the water heater assembly (100).

6. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a thermostat being provided inside a thermostat sleeve (8) attached with the heating element (2).

7. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the thermostat is adapted to cut-off the power supply during over heating and/or dry heating of the heating element (2).

8. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water heater assembly (100) comprises an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker [ELCB] or Portable Residual Current Device [PRCD] module (11) mounted on the power cord (5) or power plug (6) or top part (la) of the water heater.

9. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (1) is made of any low conductivity material such as plastic.

10. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a handle (4) is disposed at a proximal end (lc) of the top part (la), and the handle (4) being provided with or without a provision to store a power cord (5).

11. The water heater assembly ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the shield (9) enclosing the heating element (2) comprises plurality of apertures (9a) to facilitate uniform heating of water and to improve water mixing by reducing temperature difference of water at top and bottom level of the container (200).

12. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight (10) is integrated at bottom end (9be) of the shield (9) to improve the stability of the water heater assembly (100).

13. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a metallic frame (9c) is integrated to inner surface of the shield (9) to strengthen the shield (9).

14. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the shield (9) comprising preferably, not limited to a cylindrical shaped structure enclosing the heating element (2) providing support to the water heater.

15. The water heater assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a metallic ring (9d) is integrated to inner part of the shield (9) up to a predetermined height from the bottom end (9be) to facilitate heat dissipation.