Dual-Fuel Heater Nozzle With Selectable Pressure Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating devices that operate with only a single fuel source, such as natural gas or liquid propane, pose challenges for distributors and consumers due to inventory management issues and compatibility problems, leading to potential stock imbalances and customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A dual-fuel capable nozzle system that allows for the selective use of either natural gas or liquid propane, featuring a pressure regulator with independently operable pressure chambers and valves, enabling the same heater unit to function with different fuel sources by adjusting pressure settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a heater is designed to operate with a single fuel source, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is designed with multiple inlet ports that can accommodate different fuel sources (natural gas, propane, etc.). By configuring the nozzle body with universal inlet structures and selectable inlet connections, a single heater unit can operate with multiple fuel types without requiring separate nozzle assemblies for each fuel source.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is divided into modular components including a nozzle body, selectable inlet connections, and adjustable needles. This segmentation allows the inlet connection portion to be selectively changed or adjusted based on the desired fuel source, while the main nozzle body remains constant.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate nozzles are used for different fuel sources, then the manufacturing precision for each fuel type is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple fuel sources. By incorporating multiple inlet ports and selectable inlet connections within the same nozzle body, the patent eliminates the need for separate calibrated nozzles for each fuel type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through proper design of the universal inlet structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly incorporates adjustable needles that can be selectively positioned to optimize fuel flow characteristics for different fuel sources. This dynamic adjustability allows a single nozzle body to adapt to different fuel types without requiring multiple pre-calibrated nozzle assemblies.
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
This solution allows for a single heater unit to be used with multiple fuel sources, reducing inventory costs and providing consumers with flexibility, while ensuring safe and efficient fuel combustion and minimizing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure chamber therebetween. The first pressure chamber decreases in area toward the first output aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of a nozzle are configured to dispense a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof at a first pressure in a first mode of operation and dispense a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof at a second pressure in a second mode of operation. In some embodiments, the nozzle is integrated in a heat-producing device, such as, for example, a heater, a fireplace, or a stove. In some embodiments, the heat-producing device including the nozzle can operate with a first combustible fuel at a first pressure, or alternatively, can operate with a second combustible fuel at a second pressure. In some embodiments, the nozzle is used in applications other than heat-producing devices.