Flush-Mounted Chimney Door Kit Using Modular Frame Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chimney door devices for residential chimneys lack aesthetic appeal and are not easily manufactured to be concealed within the chimney structure, compromising their visual integration with the surrounding masonry.

Innovation Solution

A modular kit system for producing different design variants of chimney door devices, where a common door frame is used to create separate inspection and cleaning door frames, allowing for flush or surface-mounted configurations, with components like a common door frame, inspection door leaf, and cleaning door leaf, enabling various design embodiments that can be manufactured to provide a concealed and visually appealing installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a traditional door device with external cover plate is used, then the functional access is provided, but the aesthetic appearance and visual integration with chimney masonry is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual integrationVSAvoiddoor device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the external cover plate from the door device structure. The door frame is designed to be directly embedded in the chimney masonry without any external covering elements, eliminating the visual disruption caused by traditional cover plates while maintaining all functional aspects of the door device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The door frame is merged directly with the chimney masonry structure through embedding. The door frame becomes an integral part of the chimney wall, with its outer surface aligned with the masonry surface, creating a unified visual appearance that blends the functional element into the architectural structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate door frames for cleaning and inspection doors are manufactured individually, then the specific functional requirements are met, but the manufacturing efficiency and consistency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A universal door frame template is created that can serve multiple functions. The same basic door frame structure is used for both cleaning door access and inspection door access, allowing standardized manufacturing processes while accommodating different functional requirements through configuration variations rather than complete redesigns.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The door frame manufacturing process is segmented into standardized modular components. The door frame is divided into reusable sections and elements that can be assembled in different configurations to meet specific functional requirements for cleaning or inspection access, improving both manufacturing efficiency and design adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3653934B1Method for the production of chimney door devices and construction set for same
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 ERLUS
  • EP3653934B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3653934B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3653934B1 patent drawingFigure 1b

AI summary

Method for manufacturing different versions of a chimney door device (1) as flush-mounted versions for use in a lower section (2u) of a chimney (2), wherein a first version is designed such that an inspection door leaf (10r) and a cleaning door leaf (10p) are mounted in a common door frame (11), wherein a second version is designed such that an inspection door leaf (10r) is mounted in an inspection door frame (11r) and a cleaning door leaf (10p) is mounted in a cleaning door frame (11p), wherein a kit is used for manufacturing the versions, which has the following components: a) common door frame (11) b) inspection door leaf (10r) c) cleaning door leaf (10p) wherein the common door frame (11) has an upper section and a lower section, wherein a cleaning door opening (111pö) is formed in the upper section of the common door frame (11).which overlaps with a chimney cleaning opening formed in the chimney (2) when the door device is used in the chimney (2), and in the upper section of the common door frame (11) a cleaning door leaf bearing device (111g) is formed next to the cleaning door opening (111pö)...,