Unitized boiler control mounting frame apparatus and method

Abstract

A control frame for a boiler includes a control mounting surface and a control panel. The control frame can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal, such that the control mounting surface and the control panel form a single undivided unit. In addition, the control frame can structurally support a boiler enclosure. The control mounting surface can include mounting interfaces for a control device, an optional microcontroller and wiring terminal strips. The control panel can also include cutouts or mounting interfaces for instrumentation or other control devices. The control frame can further include a latch interface to hold a separate cover panel in place.

1 . A control frame for a boiler, comprising: 
 a control mounting surface; and    a control panel, wherein the control mounting surface and the control panel form an single undivided unit.    
   
   
       2 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control frame is configured with an attachment interface for attachment to a boiler.  
   
   
       3 . The control frame of  claim 2 , wherein the control frame is further configured as a structural member to support a boiler enclosure.  
   
   
       4 . The control frame of  claim 2 , wherein the control frame includes the boiler attached to the attachment interface.  
   
   
       5 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control frame includes a single undivided sheet of metal.  
   
   
       6 . The control frame of claim S, wherein the sheet of metal is folded to form the control mounting surface and the control panel.  
   
   
       7 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control mounting surface includes a mounting interface for attachment of a control device.  
   
   
       8 . The control frame of  claim 7 , wherein the mounting interface comprises at least one convexity configured to support and stabilize the control unit.  
   
   
       9 . The control frame of  claim 7 , wherein the control frame includes a control device mounted to the control mounting surface.  
   
   
       10 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control mounting surface includes a mounting interface for attachment of a microcontroller.  
   
   
       11 . The control frame of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting interface comprises at least one convexity configured to support and stabilize the microcontroller.  
   
   
       12 . The control frame of  claim 10 , wherein the control frame includes a microcontroller mounted to the control mounting surface.  
   
   
       13 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control mounting surface includes a mounting interface for a wiring terminal strip.  
   
   
       14 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control panel includes an instrumentation display device.  
   
   
       15 . The control frame of  claim 14 , wherein the instrumentation display device includes a dial meter.  
   
   
       16 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control panel includes an input device.  
   
   
       17 . The control frame of  claim 16 , wherein the input device comprises a control switch.  
   
   
       18 . The control frame of  claim 1 , wherein the control frame includes a latch interface configured to engage a cover panel.  
   
   
       19 . A control frame for a boiler, comprising: 
 means for mounting a control device; and    means for mounting a control interface, wherein the means for mounting the control device and the means for mounting the control interface form a single undivided unit.    
   
   
       20 . A method of mounting a control device and a control interface for a boiler, comprising the steps of: 
 fabricating a control frame including a control mounting surface and a control panel that form a single undivided unit;    mounting the control device to the control mounting surface; and    mounting the control interface to the control panel.