Dual-Fuel Vent-Free Gas Heater With Selector Valve Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unvented gas heaters cannot be easily converted between natural gas and liquid propane fuel sources without requiring changes to the regulator, pilot orifice, and burner orifice, limiting flexibility and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A dual fuel gas burner system that includes a selector valve to direct the correct gas type to the fuel injector and pilot burner, allowing operation on either natural gas or liquid propane, with optional features like an oxygen detection system and thermostatic control, and all plumbing connections are preferably made at the factory to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional unvented gas heater is designed to use a single fuel source (natural gas or liquid propane), then the heater structure can be simple and straightforward, but the heater cannot be easily converted to use a different fuel source without requiring changes to the regulator, pilot orifice, and burner orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single heater system that can operate with multiple fuel sources (natural gas and liquid propane). The heater incorporates both a first orifice assembly for natural gas and a second orifice assembly for liquid propane, along with a regulator system that can handle both fuel types. This allows the same heater structure to serve multiple fuel sources without requiring complete redesign or component replacement, thus achieving fuel source conversion capability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating multiple fuel delivery pathways within a single heater housing. The first and second orifice assemblies are nested within the same burner structure, and the regulator system is integrated to control both fuel types. The converter assembly is positioned to work with either fuel source, creating a compact nested arrangement that allows fuel source conversion without expanding the overall heater footprint or requiring separate heater units for each fuel type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conversion kits are permitted for fuel source changes, then flexibility is improved, but the installer must change the regulator, pilot orifice, and burner orifice which requires on-site modifications and increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the heater with both a first orifice assembly for natural gas and a second orifice assembly for liquid propane during manufacturing. The regulator system is also pre-installed and configured to handle both fuel types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for installers to modify the regulator, pilot orifice, or burner orifice on-site when converting between fuel sources. The heater arrives at the installation site already capable of operating with either fuel type, significantly simplifying the conversion process and improving installation ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual fuel system is implemented with separate orifice assemblies for natural gas and liquid propane, then fuel source versatility is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the first and second orifice assemblies into a single integrated burner structure. Rather than having completely separate burner assemblies for natural gas and liquid propane, the patent integrates both orifice assemblies within the same burner housing, allowing them to share common components such as the burner body, mounting structure, and surrounding air mixing passages. The regulator system is also merged to control both fuel types through a unified control mechanism. This merging approach reduces the total number of discrete components compared to having entirely separate systems for each fuel type, while still maintaining the ability to switch between fuel sources.
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
Enables easy conversion between fuel types without on-site modifications, ensuring safe and efficient operation by using a selector valve to direct the correct gas to the correct components, and incorporating safety features like oxygen detection and thermostatic control for enhanced performance and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
an installer turns a selector valve plumbed in the product gas train. This selection sends the correct gas type to the correct fuel injector and pilot burner
Implementation Method 2
The gas and air mix in the heater where combustion takes place
Implementation Method 3
These heaters may have a blower to force air flow through the heater providing the release of heated gases or convective heat
Implementation Method 4
The heater may be designed to use natural convective air currents
Implementation Method 5
Optionally, an oxygen detection system is incorporated within the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports in an upper surface thereof. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. An adjustable fuel injector or at least two fuel injectors feed fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual fuel selection control valve, and/or temperature shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.