Combustion-Based Heat Recirculation Device for Prolonged User Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat generation devices for outdoor use, such as chemical warmers and electrical heated clothing, have limited duration and inefficiencies in heat distribution, with much heated air being lost into the environment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an air receptacle, chimney, and heat exchanger that captures and recirculates heated air, using a combustible material to generate heat and direct it through a structure for user warming, thereby converting otherwise lost heat into additional warmth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional outdoor heating devices (chemical warmers, electrical heated clothing) are used, then heat is provided to users, but the duration is limited (4-6 hours) and heat distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous heating operation by enabling the fire pit to function indefinitely as long as fuel is supplied, replacing the limited 4-6 hour duration of chemical warmers and electrical heated clothing. The combustion chamber continuously processes fuel, and the heat exchanger continuously circulates heated air, maintaining sustained thermal output without battery depletion or chemical exhaustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the combustion chamber and the surrounding environment. This heat exchanger captures heat from exhaust gases and transferred it to circulating air, improving heat distribution efficiency by recovering otherwise wasted thermal energy and directing it toward users in a controlled manner.
2Temperature
If heat lamps and outdoor space heaters are used, then heated air is generated and circulated, but much heated air is lost into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful loss of heated air into a beneficial resource by capturing exhaust gases from the combustion chamber and routing them through the heat exchanger. The hot exhaust air, which would otherwise be wasted, is now used to preheat incoming air and provide additional thermal energy to users, transforming energy loss into useful heating output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers thermal energy from the exhaust stream that would normally be discarded into the environment. The heat exchanger captures heat from the outgoing exhaust gases and transfers it to the circulating air system, ensuring that valuable thermal energy is recovered and utilized rather than lost to the surroundings.
3Power
If outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are used, then heat is generated through combustion, but heat distribution is uncontrolled and much heat is lost to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat generation and distribution functions into distinct components: a combustion chamber for controlled fuel burning, a heat exchanger for heat transfer, and a circulating air system for heat distribution. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, with the combustion chamber focusing on efficient fuel combustion and the heat exchanger focusing on controlled heat transfer to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves as an intermediary that mediates between the high-temperature combustion chamber and the users. It captures heat from exhaust gases and transfers it to circulating air in a controlled manner, preventing direct exposure to combustion flames while efficiently distributing thermal energy to users and reducing environmental heat loss.
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 device efficiently recirculates heat to provide prolonged warmth to users without electricity, enhancing outdoor comfort by utilizing combustion heat and convection to warm structures and users effectively.
Implementation Method 1
when a combustible material is placed in the device, the device heats air within the air receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the heated air travels through the chimney, heating the air within the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger positioned about a periphery of the chimney, the heat exchanger having at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating heat to a user is provided. The device may include an air receptacle having at least one air inlet and one air outlet, a chimney having a first end coupled to the at least one outlet of the air receptacle, and a second open end, and a heat exchanger positioned about a periphery of the chimney and having at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The device may also include a structure having at least one surface configured to provide heat to a user, where the structure has at least one air inlet coupled to the at least one air outlet of the heat exchanger, and at least one air outlet coupled to the at least one air inlet of the air receptacle. The device may be configured such that when a combustible material is placed in the device, the device heats air within the air receptacle and the heated air travels through the chimney, heating the air within the heat exchanger, circulating the air from the heat exchanger into the structure, and back into the air receptacle. The device may include a grate positioned adjacent the air receptacle, where the grate is configured to hold a combustible material.