Modular linear fireplace gas burner system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current linear gas burner systems for ornamental fireplaces require custom manufacturing or stocking of multiple lengths, and the spacing of openings for orifices must match the spacing of orifices in gas pipes, presenting manufacturing challenges and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular linear fireplace gas burner system with interconnectable pipe modules and burner members of varying lengths, featuring quick-connect fittings that create a Venturi-effect to increase gas flow rate and equalize pressure, ensuring consistent spacing of orifices for uniform flame patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear gas burner systems are custom manufactured for each length, then the system can be precisely tailored to specific installation requirements, but manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gas burner system is divided into multiple standardized pipe modules of predetermined lengths (e.g., 12-inch, 24-inch, 36-inch segments). Each module contains pre-spaced orifices and connector fittings, allowing them to be assembled into custom-length configurations without custom manufacturing each unique length, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe modules are designed with universal connector fittings and standardized orifice spacing that can be used across all module lengths. This universal design allows the same basic components to serve multiple functions and configurations, enabling custom installations using standardized parts, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lengths of linear gas burner systems are manufactured and stocked, then installation requirements can be met, but inventory costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stocking complete burner systems of various lengths, the system is segmented into standardized modules that can be combined in different quantities and configurations. This reduces inventory complexity by stocking only a limited set of modular components rather than numerous complete assemblies of different lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pipe modules are merged through connector fittings to create the required total length. The connector fittings integrate the modules into a unified system with consistent orifice spacing, allowing flexible length adjustment without increasing inventory complexity, as the same basic modules are reused in different combinations.
3Reliability
If orifices are spaced to match burner member openings, then proper gas flow is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase when dealing with custom lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice spacing requirement is segmented into standardized intervals built into each pipe module during manufacturing. By pre-spacing orifices at fixed intervals (e.g., every 6 inches) within each module and using modules with consistent connection points, the system maintains reliable gas flow distribution without requiring high precision for each custom length configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pipe module is manufactured with locally optimized orifice spacing and positioning that ensures proper gas flow for that specific segment. The connector fittings are designed with localized features (such as alignment pins or keyed connections) that ensure precise mating and maintain the overall orifice spacing pattern across multiple assembled modules, thereby ensuring gas flow consistency without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing across the entire custom length.
4Loss of energy
If connector fittings have the same inner diameter as pipe segments, then flow resistance is minimized, but pressure equalization throughout the system becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector fittings are designed with a smaller inner diameter than the pipe segments, creating a controlled restriction that increases turbulence and enhances mixing. This parameter change in diameter creates a Venturi effect that equalizes pressure throughout the system by creating a pressure drop at the connector that compensates for variations in downstream demand, thereby achieving pressure equalization while managing flow resistance through the designed restriction.
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 the creation of linear gas burner systems of varying lengths with consistent orifice spacing, improving manufacturing efficiency and allowing for customizable flame patterns and increased gas flow, while maintaining pressure equality throughout the system.
Implementation Method 1
the connector fittings joining together two pipe segments define a bore having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe segments, such that a Venturi-effect is created between each pipe module to increase the flow rate of the gas through the pipe segments and to equalize pressure within the system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular linear fireplace gas burner system having a plurality of interconnectable pipe modules and one or more burner members of varying length, each said pipe module having a pipe segment, spuds, orifice mounting blocks and mounting brackets to retain one of more of the burner members, wherein the distance D(o) between adjacent spuds on each pipe segment is equal and for joined pipe segments the distance D(c) between the outermost spud of one pipe segment to the outermost spud of the other pipe segment is equal to D(o).