Modular Linear Gas Burner with Equal-Spacing Orifice Design
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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 is not consistently maintained when connecting pipe segments, leading to inefficiencies in gas flow and pressure equalization.
Innovation Solution
A modular linear gas burner system with interconnectable pipe modules and burner members, featuring quick-connect fittings that create a Venturi-effect and ensure consistent spacing of orifices, allowing for the creation of systems of varying lengths with equal spacing between adjacent orifices, thereby optimizing gas flow and pressure equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom manufacturing is used for each linear gas burner system length, then the spacing precision of orifices can be maintained, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas burner system is divided into modular pipe segments that can be connected in series. Each segment contains pre-spaced orifices at standardized intervals, allowing the system to achieve consistent spacing precision while reducing manufacturing complexity through repeated modular units rather than custom manufacturing for each length.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe segments are designed with universal connection features and standardized orifice spacing that can be used across different system lengths. This universal design allows the same modular components to serve multiple configurations, reducing the need for custom manufacturing while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple pre-fabricated lengths are manufactured and stocked, then customization is limited, but the manufacturing precision can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented pipe modules that can be connected in varying combinations to create different total lengths. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different installation requirements while maintaining precise orifice spacing through the standardized design of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the system length to be dynamically adjusted by adding or removing pipe segments, providing versatility in system configuration while maintaining manufacturing precision through the consistent design of each modular unit.
3Ease of operation
If pipe segments are connected with standard fittings, then the system assembly is simplified, but the gas flow rate and pressure equalization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fittings are designed with specific dimensional parameters that create a Venturi effect, where the fitting geometry optimizes gas flow velocity and pressure distribution. This parameter optimization maintains ease of assembly while improving gas flow rate and pressure equalization across the modular segments.
4Loss of energy
If connector fittings have the same inner diameter as pipe segments, then the gas flow resistance is minimized, but the pressure equalization between segments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector fittings utilize carefully optimized dimensional parameters that create a controlled Venturi effect. The fitting geometry is designed to manage pressure transitions between segments, ensuring equalization while minimizing overall flow resistance through optimized flow path design.
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 modular system enables the creation of linear gas burner systems of different lengths with consistent orifice spacing, enhancing gas flow rate and pressure equality, allowing for customizable flame patterns and shapes, and simplifying manufacturing and installation processes.
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
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).