Optical Sensor Combustion Analysis for Fireplace Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combustion systems in single-room fireplaces lack efficient methods to analyze and regulate combustion efficiency and fine dust formation, particularly due to the absence of sensors to measure relevant combustion parameters.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a sensor device with an optical sensor and a computer device for data analysis, which can record data from the combustion process and output signals indicative of combustion efficiency and particulate matter formation, allowing for real-time evaluation and regulation of the combustion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If aluminum-containing compounds are added as additives during combustion, then particulate matter formation is reduced, but combustion efficiency may be compromised and the system lacks control capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticulate matter formationVSAvoidcombustion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system that uses sensors to monitor combustion parameters (temperature, oxygen content, exhaust gas composition) and adjusts the addition rate of aluminum-containing compounds accordingly. The control unit processes sensor signals and regulates the dosing device to optimize both particulate matter reduction and combustion efficiency dynamically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (additive dosage, air supply, combustion temperature) based on real-time measurements to optimize combustion efficiency while maintaining particulate matter reduction. The control unit adjusts multiple parameters simultaneously to achieve the desired balance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated into the fireplace to measure combustion parameters, then combustion efficiency and particulate matter formation can be analyzed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion parameter measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring temperature, oxygen content, and exhaust gas composition simultaneously. The control unit handles both analysis and regulation tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that processes sensor data and coordinates the dosing device and air supply regulation. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic and reducing direct connections between multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If the fireplace is equipped with sensors and control systems, then real-time regulation is possible, but ease of operation decreases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic combustion regulationVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to automatically monitor and regulate combustion parameters without requiring user intervention. The control unit continuously adjusts the additive dosing and air supply based on sensor feedback, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device enables precise analysis of combustion efficiency and fine dust formation, allowing for immediate adjustments to improve combustion efficiency and reduce particulate matter production.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor device comprising a sensor, for example an optical sensor, which is provided and configured to record data from the combustion process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4571188A1Method and device for improving the efficiency and/or reduction of fine dust formation in a combustion
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SIO2 VENTURES GMBH
  • EP4571188A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP4571188A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP4571188A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5B

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for analyzing the combustion of a combustible material in a fireplace, comprising a sensor device comprising an optical sensor, which is provided and configured to record an image and/or an image sequence of the combustion, and a computer device which is in data communication with the sensor device or to which a data connection can be formed, and which is in data communication with an output device or to which a data connection can be formed, wherein the output device is provided and/or configured to output a signal which correlates to a value which is characteristic of an efficiency of the combustion and/or of an amount of fine dust produced during the combustion.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for analyzing the combustion of a combustible material in a fireplace and to machine-readable program code encoding this method or parts thereof. Furthermore, the invention relates to a machine-readable storage medium on which such machine-readable program code is stored.