Generator Exhaust Tube Vertical Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable generators pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper exhaust management, as the gas can quickly build up to fatal levels when used indoors or near ventilation systems.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a base, holding mechanism, and exhaust tube is designed to safely re-direct carbon monoxide exhaust from generators vertically upwards to a safe height, including features like an adjustment lock, insulated portion, and stabilizing base pads to prevent tipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If portable generators are used indoors or near ventilation systems, then power supply is available, but carbon monoxide builds up to fatal levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply availabilityVSAvoidcarbon monoxide poisoning risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful carbon monoxide exhaust from the generator system by connecting an exhaust tube to the generator's exhaust outlet and routing it vertically upward through a holding mechanism to a safe discharge height, separating the harmful byproduct from the useful power generation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust tube acts as an intermediary element between the generator exhaust outlet and the atmosphere, providing a controlled pathway that directs carbon monoxide away from users and into the atmosphere at a safe height, mediating the interaction between the harmful exhaust and the environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If exhaust is vented horizontally or at low height, then device complexity is reduced, but carbon monoxide reaches users at ground level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust system structureVSAvoidcarbon monoxide exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the exhaust discharge from horizontal or low-level vertical orientation to high-level vertical orientation by using a holding mechanism that suspends the exhaust tube at an elevated height, utilizing the vertical dimension to safely distance the exhaust from users at ground level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If exhaust tube is made rigid for stability, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability to different generator heights is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust tube structural integrityVSAvoidadjustment to different generator heights

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the exhaust tube system through an adjustment lock mechanism that allows the exhaust tube to be positioned at different vertical heights and secured, enabling the rigid tube to adapt to various generator exhaust outlet heights while maintaining structural integrity during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Effectively redirects carbon monoxide exhaust away from people and pets, reducing the risk of poisoning by venting it into the atmosphere, while the insulated portion dissipates heat and stabilizing base pads ensure stability.

Implementation Method 1

The exhaust tube may be configured to extend from the exhaust outlet of the generator vertically through the holding mechanism to a safe exhaust height above the exhaust outlet of the generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

carbon monoxide exhaust from the generator through the exhaust tube vertically to the safe exhaust height above the exhaust outlet of the generator into an atmosphere

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 3

the insulated portion dissipates heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 4

the insulated portion dissipates heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11608769B2Device for safely re-directing carbon monoxide exhaust from generators

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 BORGER JR HENRY W

AI summary

A device for safely re-directing carbon monoxide exhaust from generators includes a base, a holding mechanism, at least one support, and an exhaust tube. The base is configured to be positioned on a grounding surface. The holding mechanism is suspended at an elevated height from the base. The at least one support is connected between the base and the holding mechanism. The at least one support is configured to support the holding mechanism at the elevated height in a vertical orientation. The exhaust tube is configured to be connected to an exhaust outlet of the generator on a first end. The exhaust tube is configured to extend from the exhaust outlet of the generator vertically through the holding mechanism to a safe exhaust height above the exhaust outlet of the generator.