Ceramic Pellet Grill Conduit Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pellet-fired grills for barbecue lack protection for pellet feeding and combustion air supply structures, leading to inefficient combustion and exposure to high temperatures, and they fail to replicate the smoky flavor and temperature control of charcoal grills or electromagnetic grills.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic pellet grill with a ceramic oven body, conduit, firepot, and thermal insulation, featuring an auger for pellet conveyance, a built-in igniter, and a thermostatic control system to regulate temperature and improve combustion efficiency, while protecting against food debris and high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If pellet feeding structures and combustion air supply structures are exposed in the combustion chamber, then the结构简单性 (structural simplicity) is improved, but the structures become exposed to high temperatures causing corrosion and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidresistance to corrosion and degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the pellet feeding structure and combustion air supply structure inside a heat-resistant cavity or chamber that is isolated from the main combustion zone. This nested arrangement allows the feeding mechanisms to remain protected from direct exposure to high temperatures while still functioning within the combustion system, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and resistance to thermal degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a heat-resistant barrier or insulating structure as an intermediary between the combustion chamber and the pellet feeding/air supply structures. This intermediary element shields the sensitive feeding mechanisms from direct thermal exposure, allowing them to operate reliably without being subjected to corrosive high-temperature conditions, thus maintaining both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic power is used for grilling, then temperature control is simplified, but smoky flavor is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidsmoky flavor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines automated temperature control mechanisms (inheriting the ease of operation from electromagnetic systems) with a pellet combustion chamber that generates authentic smoky flavor. The system universally integrates both functionalities: a thermostat-controlled pellet feeder maintains precise temperature regulation while the burning pellets continuously produce the desired smoky aroma and taste, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and flavor quality.

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

3Object-generated harmful factors

If charcoal is used for grilling, then smoky flavor is achieved, but combustion efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoky flavorVSAvoidcombustion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fuel from loose charcoal to densely compressed pellets with standardized size and composition. This parameter transformation enables more efficient oxygen penetration and complete combustion, significantly improving burning efficiency and productivity while maintaining and potentially enhancing the smoky flavor profile through controlled wood-based combustion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ceramic pellet grill provides efficient and controlled combustion, protecting against corrosion and ensuring a smoky flavor, with improved temperature regulation and cleanliness, addressing the inefficiencies of charcoal and electromagnetic grills.

Implementation Method 1

thermal insulation (514) provided within the oven body and arranged to thermally insulate the conduit (508) from heat from within the oven body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

an auger (510) within a tube (511) configured within the conduit (508)... rotation of the auger by the electric motor conveys pellets from the hopper into the firepot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical conveyance: Archimedes Screw

Implementation Method 3

An electric motor (536) at the first end, coupled to the auger (510), to rotate the auger, where rotation of the auger by the electric motor conveys pellets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

a built-in igniter within the firepot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIgnition: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 5

a fan configured to force combustion air from outside of the ceramic oven body into the firepot via the conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 6

combustion of the pellets in the firepot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP3649905B1Ceramic pellet grill
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 YANG HONGWEI
  • EP3649905B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649905B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3649905B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A pellet grill includes a ceramic oven body and a ceramic inner liner. The oven body includes a first through-hole in its side. A conduit is inserted through the first through-hole into the oven body. A firepot is removably coupled to the conduit toward an end of the conduit that is within the oven body. The inner liner conforms to a shape of, and fits to a portion of, an oven body inner wall. The inner liner covers the conduit and includes a second through-hole aligned with the firepot. A bulge in the inner liner conforms to a shape of the conduit within the ceramic oven body and may protect the conduit from cooking debris and from heat, rising from a flame in the firepot, that circulates within a portion of the oven body that is above the inner liner. The firepot receives fuel and air via the conduit.