Multi-burner head assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uniform burner head designs in heat exchangers, such as gas furnaces, result in inconsistent flame profiles due to varying fuel/air ratios, leading to performance issues and increased risk of flashback, as each burner head receives different amounts of air, causing incomplete burns and higher operation costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-burner head assembly with varying burner head characteristics, including height, width, and shape, coupled to a venturi inlet, allowing for controlled flame profiles by adjusting the fuel/air mixture through specific burner head configurations and clearances, reducing the need for flashback arrestors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform burner head designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but flame profile consistency deteriorates due to varying fuel/air ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the height of individual burner heads within the same assembly. Instead of using uniform burner heads throughout, the design incorporates burner heads with different heights (e.g., first burner head at height H1, second burner head at height H2) to compensate for variations in air supply to different locations. This localized adjustment of burner head characteristics ensures consistent flame profiles across all burners while maintaining a relatively simple overall manufacturing approach.
2Device complexity
If uniform burner head heights are used, then device complexity is reduced, but combustion performance deteriorates due to incomplete burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by configuring burner heads with different heights at different locations within the burner assembly. This allows each burner head to be optimized for its specific position, ensuring proper fuel/air mixing and complete combustion. The varied heights compensate for differences in air supply conditions across the burner array, improving overall combustion efficiency without requiring complex individual control systems for each burner.
3Ease of operation
If uniform burner head designs are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but flashback risk increases due to inconsistent fuel/air ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses flashback risk by varying burner head heights locally within the assembly. By adjusting the height of each burner head according to its specific location and air supply conditions, the design ensures consistent fuel/air ratios across all burners. This prevents the formation of conditions that could lead to flashback, while maintaining uniform operation procedures for the entire burner system.
4Reliability
If varied burner head characteristics are used, then flame profile control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the height dimension of burner heads while keeping other characteristics relatively consistent. This approach allows for improved flame profile control through a single primary parameter (height) rather than requiring changes to multiple parameters simultaneously. The varied heights can be achieved through relatively simple manufacturing processes such as selecting from pre-fabricated burner heads of different heights or making minor adjustments to standard burner head 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
The multi-burner head assembly enhances combustion performance by allowing precise control over flame profiles, reducing the risk of flashback and operation costs by optimizing fuel/air ratios across multiple burner heads, ensuring consistent heat distribution and compliance with specifications.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-burner head assembly may include a venturi inlet coupled to more than one burner head
Data Source
AI summary
In various implementations, a multi-burner head assembly may include a venturi inlet coupled to burner heads. The multi-burner head assembly may allow control of the flame profile generated by the assembly. For example, burner heads of the multi-burner head assembly may include different characteristics, such as height.