Outdoor Heater Beam Structure for Expanded Area and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor heaters have low thermal efficiency and small heating areas due to the use of standing columns, which also lead to structural instability.
Innovation Solution
A balanced high-efficiency outdoor heater design featuring an infrared burner with a beam and pipe fittings connecting it to a standing column, along with a sintered mat and reflectors, increases the heating area and improves structural stability by using a beam to distribute heat evenly and securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a standing column is used to prop up the burner, then the heater structure is simple, but the structural stability deteriorates and the head part becomes askew
Solution Approach 1:
The heater structure is divided into separate functional modules: the standing column for support, the beam for heat distribution, and the burner assembly for heating. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural stability through proper modular connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam is strategically positioned and dimensioned to counterbalance the weight of the burner assembly, preventing the head part from becoming askew. The beam acts as a counterweight structure that distributes the load evenly on the standing column, ensuring structural stability.
2Device complexity
If a standing column with circumferential heat radiation is used, then the heater structure is simple, but the heating area is small and thermal efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The beam extends the heating structure in a new spatial dimension, transforming the heating pattern from simple circumferential radiation to a multi-directional heat distribution system. This dimensional extension significantly increases the effective heating area and improves thermal efficiency by distributing heat across a larger volume of space.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a heat distribution conduit, and an extension of the heating surface. This multi-functionality increases the overall heating capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Loss of energy
If the heating surface of the burner faces downwards, then thermal efficiency increases, but the heating area needs to be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the beam structure that extends horizontally from the standing column, the heating system utilizes additional spatial dimensions to expand the heating area. The beam provides lateral heat distribution while the downward-facing burner maintains high thermal efficiency through direct infrared radiation onto the beam surface.
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 design enhances thermal efficiency by over 30% and maintains functionality in windy conditions, while the modular ignition control device simplifies maintenance and ensures stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the burner is an infrared burner
Implementation Method 2
a sintered mat is fixedly set between the furnace cover and the first reflector which can cover the opening of the furnace cover
Implementation Method 3
a first reflector is fixedly connected to the lower end of the burner
Data Source
AI summary
A balanced high efficiency outdoor heater is provided to increase the heat radiation area, and to improve the stability of the structure. The heater includes a burner provided at an upper end of a standing column, a bottom base provided at a lower end of the standing column, and a beam is set between the burner and the standing column. The beam and the standing column are connected by pipe fittings. An ignition control device is equipped inside the base and is connected to the burner. An electrode rod and a thermocoupler are connected to the ignition control device under the burner. A first reflector is fixedly connected to the lower end of the burner and a gas valve is equipped in the bottom base. Compared with the prior art, the burner uses sintered felt and a heating surface of the burner faces upside down to improve thermal efficiency.