Boiler Backfire Protection Actuator Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating boilers are complex and require high control and regulation efforts, which can negatively impact their functional reliability.

Innovation Solution

The drive of the burn-back safety device is coupled with the actuator for adjusting the air volume, simplifying design and control efforts while increasing reliability by allowing for simultaneous monitoring of both systems, and the shut-off element interacts with the entry and suction openings to enhance burn-back protection and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate actuators are used for backfire protection and air volume control, then each function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases and functional reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backfire protection actuator and air volume control actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. This single actuator performs both functions simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components and control systems needed, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining functional reliability through unified control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the backfire protection shut-off device and the air volume control device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators, reducing system complexity and improving reliability by having a single control point for both critical functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If multiple independent control systems are implemented, then specific functions can be precisely controlled, but troubleshooting and maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting easeVSAvoidnumber of control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the control systems into a single integrated actuator, the patent reduces the number of separate control systems that need to be troubleshooted. Maintenance personnel only need to service one actuator unit rather than multiple independent actuators, significantly easing troubleshooting and maintenance efforts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal actuator design means that a single maintenance action can address both backfire protection and air volume control functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall maintenance burden and simplifies repair procedures compared to maintaining separate independent control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the backfire protection device is positioned for optimal protection, then safety is improved, but accessibility for maintenance may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackfire protection effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of backfire protection and air volume control into a single actuator unit allows the combined device to be positioned in an optimally accessible location. The unified design means that maintenance personnel can access both functions from a single location, eliminating the compromise that would exist if separate devices were positioned for optimal individual performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional actuator can be strategically positioned to provide both effective backfire protection and easy maintenance access. Since one actuator serves dual purposes, it can be located where it best serves both functions, unlike separate devices that would require compromise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3620716B1Boiler for burning fuel
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 FROELING HEIZKESSEL UND BEHAELTERBAU GESELLSCHAFT MBH
  • EP3620716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3620716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3620716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A boiler (1) for burning fuel (7), in particular pellets, is shown, comprising a combustion chamber (2), a fuel supply (3) for feeding the combustion chamber (2) with fuel (7), the fuel supply (3) having an intermediate hopper (5) for the fuel (7), a backfire protection device (4.1, 4.2) with a shut-off device (12), in particular a slide valve (12.1), and an actuator (14) for actuating the shut-off device (12), and an air supply (8) opening into the combustion chamber (2), which has at least one device (10) with an actuated actuator (11), in particular an air slide valve (11.1), for adjusting the air volume. To achieve improved operational reliability of the boiler (1), it is proposed that the actuator (14) of the backfire protection device (4.1) also actuates the actuator (11) of the device (10) for adjusting the air volume.