Closed fireplace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closed fireplaces using solid fuels face challenges with storage and procurement complexity, soot and ash contamination, and inefficient ventilation when using liquid fuels, which disrupts the heating effect and energy balance.
Innovation Solution
A fireplace design combining the advantages of solid and liquid fuel systems, featuring a replaceable and refillable container for liquid fuel with a burner, separate combustion zones, thermoelectric or piezoelectric ignition, and a scavenging air fan, with exhaust gases directed to a chimney and combustion air sourced from outside or the room, and heat exchangers for enhanced heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solid fuel is used in a closed fireplace, then heating capability is improved, but fuel storage and procurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of solid fuel combustion with a liquid fuel combustion system. The liquid fuel (alcohol) is stored in a container and delivered to a burner, eliminating the need for wood storage, handling, and procurement while maintaining heating capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by simplifying fuel management without sacrificing thermal output.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solid fuel is burned, then heating effect is achieved, but combustion chamber contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fuel from solid (wood) to liquid (alcohol). This parameter change results in cleaner combustion with no ash formation and minimal soot deposits, eliminating the contamination problem while preserving the heating effect. The liquid fuel burns more completely and leaves no solid residues.
3Ease of operation
If liquid fuel is used without exhaust system, then operation simplicity is improved, but energy balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ventilation system into separate functional components: an exhaust gas duct connected to a chimney for removing combustion gases, and a combustion air supply for providing oxygen to the burner. This segmentation allows the fireplace to operate efficiently with proper exhaust while maintaining simplicity of operation. The separated air supply and exhaust paths optimize the energy balance by ensuring complete combustion and removing harmful gases.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If frequent window opening is done for ventilation, then combustion gas removal is improved, but heating effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary exhaust gas duct system that connects the combustion chamber to the chimney. This intermediary structure provides a dedicated pathway for combustion gases to escape without requiring window opening. The system mediates between the need for gas removal and the desire to maintain heating effect by allowing continuous exhaust while keeping the room sealed for heat retention.
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
Simplifies fuel storage and operation, reduces contamination and cleaning needs, and improves heating efficiency by optimizing combustion and ventilation, balancing energy use and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The burner is ignited by a thermoelectric ignition element
Implementation Method 2
alternatively by a piezoelectric ignition element
Implementation Method 3
A pump is also provided in the installation space below the burner, by means of which liquid fuel is conveyed into a brazier of the burner
Implementation Method 4
a scavenging air fan can be provided, with which fuel vapors are eliminated before the ignition process
Implementation Method 5
the combustion of the solid fuels leads to contamination of the combustion chamber
Implementation Method 6
The fireplace can also be fitted with heat exchangers above the combustion chamber, which optimize the heating effect
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A closed fireplace with a combustion chamber (6) that can be closed by a door (2) and a combustion air supply (4) that is operatively connected to it and an exhaust gas duct (3) that is connected to the outside air is designed in such a way that in the combustion chamber (6 ) a burner (7) that can be operated with liquid fuel is arranged, which is connected to at least one container (8) filled with a combustible liquid, a pump (10) being connected to the container (8), by means of which liquid fuel is pumped to the burner (7 ) is feasible.