On-Board Powered Forced-Air Heater for Remote Jobsite Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable forced-air heaters require a conventional wall outlet for electric energy, limiting their use in remote environments and causing inefficiencies in energy distribution and storage, especially in construction sites where space and power management are critical.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained forced-air heater with an on-board electric-power supply, including a fuel tank, combustion chamber, and a motorized fan, which also features a light source and a fuel-management system to minimize fuel leakage during alternative storage orientations, allowing operation without an external power source and providing an interface for energizing accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional wall outlet is used to supply electric energy to the heater, then the heater can operate reliably with sufficient power, but the heater cannot be used in remote environments without external power infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heater with an on-board electric power supply system, merging two previously separate functions (heating and power generation) into a single integrated unit. This allows the heater to operate independently of external power infrastructure while maintaining reliable power supply through the onboard generator or battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater system is designed to perform multiple functions: heating, power generation, and power storage. The on-board power supply can serve not only the heater itself but also external accessories and tools, making the system universally applicable in various remote work environments without requiring separate equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords and portable generators are used to provide electric energy in remote locations, then the heater can operate, but the equipment complexity and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply system directly into the heater unit, eliminating the need for separate extension cords and portable generators. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be transported and configured, while maintaining the ability to operate in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater system is designed as a self-contained modular unit with integrated power generation and storage capabilities. This segmentation allows the entire system to be transported as a single unit rather than multiple separate components, reducing setup complexity at remote sites.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple electrical devices are powered through adaptors on a limited number of outlets, then more equipment can be operated, but excessive currents are drawn through extension cords and adaptors
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board power supply system can simultaneously power the heater and multiple external accessories or tools through provided outlets. This eliminates the need to share limited external outlets and avoids excessive current draw on extension cords, as each device draws power directly from the heater's power supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater system provides its own power supply capabilities, making it self-sufficient and able to power multiple devices without relying on external electrical infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates the harmful effects of overloading external outlets and extension cords.
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 operation in remote environments without external electric power, reduces equipment needed for construction sites, and minimizes fuel leakage during storage, enhancing mobility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an on-board source of electric energy, such as a battery
Implementation Method 2
a fan blade is rotated by an electric motor
Implementation Method 3
a combustible liquid fuel from a fuel tank is atomized and mixed with air inside the combustion chamber where it is combusted, resulting in the generation of a flame
Data Source
AI summary
A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.