Multi-dimensional ceramic burner surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiant heating systems with plaque-based burners often experience delayed ignition when multiple burners are activated simultaneously, leading to visible flames and increased energy consumption, as the gas flow and flame direction are not aligned optimally between adjacent burners.
Innovation Solution
The plaques are designed with a curved outer surface and non-parallel pore arrangement, allowing for a non-zero angle of approach between adjacent plaques, which facilitates simultaneous ignition by aligning the flame and gas flow, reducing ignition delay and enhancing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple burners are activated simultaneously with parallel pore arrangement, then the burner structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but delayed ignition occurs and visible flames are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging pores in adjacent plaques at non-parallel angles rather than in identical parallel patterns. Specifically, first plaques have pores oriented at a first angle while second plaques have pores oriented at a second angle, creating an asymmetric configuration that directs flames from adjacent burners toward each other to enable simultaneous ignition and eliminate visible flames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension parallel pore arrangement to a multi-dimensional angular arrangement. By introducing angular variation in pore orientation across different plaques, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the pore configuration, allowing flames to converge from multiple directions and achieve simultaneous ignition across all burners.
2Reliability
If multiple pilot lights are used to ensure simultaneous ignition, then ignition reliability is improved, but equipment cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the burner system to ignite all burners simultaneously through the geometric arrangement of pores and plaques alone, without requiring external pilot lights or electronic ignition systems. The non-parallel pore arrangement causes flames from adjacent burners to naturally interact and propagate ignition across all burners, making the system self-igniting.
3Productivity
If pores are arranged in a curved non-parallel pattern, then simultaneous ignition is achieved and energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the burner system into discrete plaques with specific pore patterns, where each plaque can be manufactured independently with standardized pore arrangements. This segmentation allows the complex non-parallel angular pattern to be achieved through assembly of multiple identical or similar plaque units, reducing the manufacturing precision burden on individual components while maintaining the overall angular configuration.
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
This configuration ensures simultaneous ignition of all burners, minimizing delayed ignition and visible flames, while maintaining energy efficiency and reducing equipment costs by eliminating the need for multiple pilot lights.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pores defined within the main body
Implementation Method 2
Portable and stationary natural or propane gas fired infrared heaters
Implementation Method 3
allowing for a non-zero angle of approach between adjacent plaques, which facilitates simultaneous ignition by aligning the flame and gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A plaque for a radiant heating system can include a main body defining an outer surface and a plurality of pores defined within the main body, wherein at least some of the plurality of pores are disposed in a non-parallel relationship with at least some others of the plurality of pores, or wherein at least some of the pores are parallel with each other. A burner assembly including a plurality of adjacently arranged plaques reduces the ignition time and delay for adjacent plaques after the central plaque has been ignited.