Lightweight portable heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy tray ration heaters are heavy, cumbersome, and inefficient, with long heating times and high fuel consumption, making them difficult to maneuver and maintain in field feeding applications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight portable heating device using rotational molding techniques for a polymeric container assembly with integrated handles and skids, combined with a tub assembly featuring a unique combustion byproduct flow design for improved thermal efficiency and ergonomics, allowing for shorter heating times and reduced fuel use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy-gauge stainless steel is used to construct the TRH, then structural strength and durability are improved, but weight increases significantly making it a four-man lift and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The TRH is divided into multiple removable components including the tub assembly, burner box assembly, container assembly, and lid assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and strength, and enables easy disassembly for transport and maintenance while maintaining overall structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different materials for different components based on their specific functional requirements. The tub assembly uses stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance, while the container and lid assemblies use lighter materials. This selective material application reduces overall weight while maintaining necessary structural strength in critical areas
2Quantity of substance
If the TRH is designed to heat large quantities of water (30 gallons) to high temperatures (180-200°F), then the ability to feed large groups (250 persons) is improved, but heating time and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion byproduct flow passages are designed to continuously circulate hot gases through the water in multiple passes, maintaining continuous heat transfer throughout the heating process. This continuous action maximizes heating efficiency and reduces total heating time compared to intermittent or single-pass systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a complex three-dimensional flow path for combustion byproducts that moves through multiple levels and directions within the tub assembly. This multi-dimensional circulation pattern increases the surface area contact between hot gases and water, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and reducing heating time
3Quantity of substance
If the TRH is designed to heat large quantities of water (30 gallons) to high temperatures (180-200°F), then the ability to feed large groups (250 persons) is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous circulation of combustion byproducts through multiple flow passages ensures that heat energy is continuously extracted from the exhaust gases and transferred to the water. This maximizes the useful energy extraction from the fuel combustion, reducing overall fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-dimensional flow path increases the residence time and contact area between combustion byproducts and water, improving thermal efficiency. This allows more complete energy transfer from the fuel, reducing the total fuel required to heat the specified water volume
4Stability of the object's composition
If the TRH is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural stability is improved, but maneuverability and ease of positioning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The TRH is divided into multiple removable components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. When assembled, the components form a stable integrated structure for operation. When disassembled, individual components become easy to transport and reposition, providing both stability during use and maneuverability during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic configurable assembly. The removable components allow the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, enabling easy repositioning and setup while maintaining structural integrity during the heating operation
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
The new design enhances thermal efficiency, reduces weight and maneuvering difficulties, and simplifies maintenance, enabling faster heating and reduced fuel consumption while maintaining the ability to heat large quantities of water on the move.
Implementation Method 1
heating liquids and food submerged in aforementioned liquids by means of a multi-fuel burner
Implementation Method 2
heating liquids and food submerged in aforementioned liquids
Implementation Method 3
The combustion byproducts exit the combustion section and enter a center set of parallel flow passages that guide the combustion byproducts
Implementation Method 4
tub assembly featuring a unique combustion byproduct flow design for improved thermal efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight portable heating device consisting of a container assembly and lid assembly that house a tub assembly for the purpose of heating liquids and food submerged in aforementioned liquids by means of a multi-fuel burner. Container assembly provides for several structures that improve ergonomics and handling of the lightweight portable heating device. For instance, container assembly includes an integrated handle that surrounds the container assembly proximate the top portion of the container assembly and is molded into the container assembly. Integrated handle allows for the ease of moving of the lightweight portable heating device by personnel. Proximate the bottom of container assembly are lifting handles that enable the lifting of the device above shoulder level while also functioning as a tie down point.