BBQ Oven Fuel Hopper with Automatic Mixing to Prevent Arching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BBQ ovens require manual fuel turning to prevent fuel arching, which is inefficient and consumes time and effort, leading to obstructed fuel supply to the hearth.
Innovation Solution
A BBQ oven with a mixing unit comprising a mixing driver and mixer that automatically mixes and splits arched fuel, eliminating the need for manual turning, using a sleeve, linking rod, and mixing rod to facilitate movement and prevent fuel arching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fuel turning is performed to prevent fuel arching, then fuel supply to the hearth is maintained, but time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the weight of the fuel itself to trigger the mixing operation. When fuel accumulates and arches in the hopper, the weight activates a sensor that automatically启动 the mixing mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring continuous fuel supply.
Solution Approach 2:
A weight sensor provides feedback about the fuel level and arching condition in the hopper. When the sensor detects that fuel has accumulated to a critical level, it sends a signal to the controller, which then activates the mixing mechanism to prevent arching and maintain proper fuel flow.
2Productivity
If a hopper is provided for fuel loading, then fuel supply is enabled, but fuel arching occurs to block the hopper
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing mechanism performs preliminary action by continuously or periodically mixing the fuel in the hopper before arching can occur. This preventive mixing disrupts the fuel particles' tendency to form arches, ensuring smooth fuel flow to the hearth throughout the loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static hopper design to a dynamic one with an active mixing mechanism. The mixer can be activated on-demand based on weight sensor feedback, creating a dynamic system that adapts to prevent fuel arching while maintaining efficient fuel loading.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces labor intensity by automating the fuel mixing process, preventing fuel arching, and ensuring consistent fuel supply to the hearth without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A mixing unit which includes a mixing driver positioned on the side wall of the loading container and a mixer connected to the mixing driver
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a BBQ oven, comprising an oven, a loading container and a mixing unit. The loading container is arranged on the oven, having a loading inlet on the top and a discharge outlet at the bottom; the mixing unit includes a mixing driver positioned on the side wall of the loading container and a mixer connected to the mixing driver. The BBQ oven requires no manual turning to prevent fuel arching as the mixing unit consisting of the mixing driver and the mixer connected to the mixing driver can mix and split fuel being arched by turning of the mixer driven by the mixing driver, and thereby reduces the labor work intensity.