Adjustable Fuel Orifice for Liquid Propane and Natural Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel orifices are typically designed for specific fuels and require replacement when used with different types of fuel, such as natural gas or liquid propane, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple orifice designs to achieve optimal combustion conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fuel orifice system with a variable orifice component and a vent body that can be manually switched between configurations for different fuels, allowing for adjustment of fuel flow and air mixing by rotating the control body and collar to align or misalign fuel paths and venturi openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuel orifice is designed for a specific fuel type, then optimal combustion conditions are achieved for that fuel, but the orifice cannot be used with different fuel types without replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The control body is made movable between different positions, allowing the fuel orifice to dynamically change its configuration. The control body can be rotated to align different fuel paths (first fuel path for liquid propane, second fuel path for natural gas) with the main fuel path, enabling the same orifice to adapt to different fuel types while maintaining optimal combustion performance for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel orifice is designed with multiple fuel paths and a movable control body that can switch between them, making a single orifice capable of handling multiple fuel types (liquid propane and natural gas). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate orifices for different fuels while ensuring optimal combustion conditions for each fuel type.
2Reliability
If a replacement orifice is installed for a different fuel type, then optimal combustion conditions are achieved, but disassembly and replacement are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring physical replacement, the control body is designed to be movable and rotatable, allowing users to switch between fuel types by simply rotating the control body to different positions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains optimal combustion performance while eliminating the need for disassembly and replacement operations.
3Reliability
If multiple orifice designs are created for different fuels, then optimal combustion conditions are achieved for each fuel type, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating multiple separate orifice designs for different fuel types, the invention uses a single universal orifice body with a movable control body that can switch between different fuel paths. This approach maintains optimal combustion performance for each fuel type while significantly reducing device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple fuel path capabilities into a single orifice body by incorporating both a first fuel path for liquid propane and a second fuel path for natural gas within the same structure. The control body acts as a switching mechanism that combines the functionality of multiple orifices into one unified design.
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
Enables easy adaptation for use with various fuels without disassembly, ensuring optimal combustion conditions by allowing manual adjustment of orifice size and air flow, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing the need for multiple orifice replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a vent or venturi opening may be desired to be used for mixing air with the fuel prior to combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a variable orifice component including a main body, a main fuel path extending through the main body, and a control body positioned in the main body. The control body is movable between a first position wherein a first fuel path thereof is in fluid communication with the main fuel path to enable fuel to flow therethrough, and a second position wherein a second fuel path thereof is in fluid communication with the main fuel path to enable fuel to flow therethrough. The system further includes a vent body coupled to the main body. The vent body is movable between a first position wherein the main fuel path is in fluid communication with a vent orifice of the vent body to provide fluid communication between the main fuel path and a surrounding environment, and a second position wherein the main fuel path is not in fluid communication with the vent orifice.