Heating apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating apparatuses, such as outdoor barbecues and fireplaces, are not usable in low temperatures and can become damp and uncomfortable due to dew, limiting their use to favorable seasonal conditions.

Innovation Solution

A heating apparatus with a heat generation unit and seating elements, featuring a heat exchanger that heats air from the fireplace and distributes it through a conveyor circuit within the seating elements, maintaining comfort in low temperatures and preventing dew formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If outdoor barbecues and fireplaces are used in low temperature environments, then heating function is provided, but seating elements become damp and uncomfortable due to dew formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating element temperatureVSAvoiddew formation on seating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by heating the seating elements before dew can form on their surfaces. The heating apparatus raises the temperature of the seating elements above the dew point, preventing condensation from occurring in the first place, thus eliminating the harmful effect before it manifests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful cold environment and dew formation into a benefit by using the heating system to create a warm, comfortable seating area. The same low temperature environment that causes dew is transformed into an opportunity to provide active heating, making the seating elements warmer and more comfortable despite the cold ambient conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Temperature

If heating apparatus is used in cold climates, then heating function is provided, but usability is reduced due to uncomfortable seating elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient temperatureVSAvoidusability of seating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing heating specifically to the seating elements rather than heating the entire ambient environment. This localized heating approach maintains warmth and comfort in the specific areas where users interact with the apparatus, while accepting that the overall ambient temperature remains cold, thus preserving usability without requiring comprehensive environmental control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If seating elements are exposed to cold environment, then heating apparatus can operate, but comfort for users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoiduser comfort on seating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating function with the seating elements by integrating heating components directly into the seating structure. This combination ensures that the seating elements themselves become the source of warmth, providing both structural support and thermal comfort simultaneously, thereby maintaining user comfort even when the ambient environment is cold

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 comfortable use of the heating apparatus in all seasons by uniformly heating seating elements, ensuring they remain warm and dry, thus promoting conviviality and extended usage periods.

Implementation Method 1

The heat generation unit comprises a heat exchanger, which is installed in association with the fireplace or combustion chamber of the open type, and is connected to at least one inlet channel of a flow of air from the outside. The heat exchanger is configured to heat the flow of air from the outside by means of the heat generated in the fireplace or combustion chamber of the open type.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a circuit for conveying and distributing air, which is connected to the heat exchanger to receive the heated flow of air, and develops at least partly through the seating elements to convey and distribute the heated flow of air toward heating means associated with the seating elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3859215B1Heating apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 PALAZZETTI LELIO
  • EP3859215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859215B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3859215B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a

AI summary

Heating apparatus comprising a heat generation unit provided with a fireplace or combustion chamber configured to contain the combustion, and seating elements connected to the heat generation unit, and configured to allow those using the heating apparatus to sit down.