Portable Heater Safety Controller with Proximity and CO Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable heaters lack configurable safety features to adapt to varying situations, posing risks due to inadequate safety measures in different environments.
Innovation Solution
A fuel-fired heater with an integrated electronic controller that includes a proximity sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, and fuel shut-off valve, which deactivates the heater when an object is detected within a predetermined distance or when carbon monoxide levels exceed a threshold, providing configurable safety features such as audio warnings and timed shut-offs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable heaters are used in various environments, then heating functionality is provided, but safety risks increase due to inadequate safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The heater employs dynamic safety features that can be configured and adjusted based on different operating environments. The electronic controller enables users to select different safety modes (e.g., tilt sensor activation, overheat protection thresholds) to adapt the safety system to specific situational requirements, making the safety mechanism flexible rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configurable safety parameters including adjustable tilt angle thresholds, variable overheat temperature limits, and modifiable sensor sensitivity levels. These parameters can be changed through the electronic controller to match different environmental conditions, allowing the same heater to operate safely across diverse situations
2Reliability
If safety features are added to portable heaters, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple safety functions are merged into a single integrated electronic controller that manages tilt sensors, overheat protection, carbon monoxide detection, and emergency shutdown operations. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and control circuits needed, thereby lowering overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it monitors sensor inputs, regulates heater operation, implements safety shutdown sequences, and provides user interface control. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated circuits for each safety feature, thus improving safety without proportionally increasing complexity
3Reliability
If multiple safety sensors are integrated, then safety coverage is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller is designed to handle multiple sensor types (tilt sensors, temperature sensors, carbon monoxide sensors) through a unified processing architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the same controller hardware and software framework to manage diverse safety sensors, reducing the need for separate dedicated control circuits for each sensor type and thereby lowering manufacturing costs
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
Enhances safety by automatically shutting down the heater when objects are detected near the outlet or when carbon monoxide levels are hazardous, preventing accidents and ensuring safe operation in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor oriented and arranged to sense an object located in front of the air outlet
Implementation Method 2
the proximity sensor is an ultrasound or infrared type proximity sensor
Implementation Method 3
a carbon monoxide sensor oriented and arranged to sense an ambient carbon monoxide level proximate the heater
Implementation Method 4
a fan located within the housing assembly
Implementation Method 5
an air pump located within the housing assembly
Implementation Method 6
an electric motor coupled to at least one of the fan and the air pump
Implementation Method 7
the burner assembly including a burner nozzle in fluid communication with the air pump and the fuel tank via a fuel line, and including an ignitor
Implementation Method 8
a burner assembly located within the housing assembly, the burner assembly including a burner nozzle in fluid communication with the air pump and the fuel tank via a fuel line
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel-fired heater can include a fuel tank; a housing assembly supported by the fuel tank, the housing assembly defining a chamber having an inlet and an air outlet; a fan located within the housing assembly; an air pump located within the housing assembly; an electric motor coupled to at least one of the fan and the air pump; a burner assembly located within the housing assembly, the burner assembly including a burner nozzle in fluid communication with the air pump and the fuel tank via a fuel line, and including an ignitor; and an electronic controller operating the electric motor and ignitor, the electronic controller including a proximity sensor oriented and arranged to sense an object located in front of the air outlet, wherein the electronic controller deactivates the electric motor when an object is sensed by the proximity sensor within a predetermined distance for a predetermined time period. In some examples, the heater includes a carbon monoxide sensor oriented and arranged to sense an ambient carbon monoxide level proximate the heater, wherein the electronic controller closes the fuel shut-off valve when a sensed carbon monoxide level exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time, for example 180 seconds. In some examples, the heater includes a fuel shut-off valve oriented and arranged to control fuel flow in the fuel line, wherein the electronic controller deactivates the heater by first activating the fuel shut-off valve to block flow through the fuel line and subsequently deactivating the electric motor after a predetermined time period.