Pellet heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pellet heaters require a continuous AC power supply, have inefficient fuel conveyance, limited heating area coverage, and messy ash removal systems, and do not effectively distribute insect repellents or aromatic agents.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered pellet heater with a dual auger blade system for efficient fuel conveyance, a forced air system for wider heat distribution, and improved ash removal and aromatic dispensing capabilities, including citronella, using a base housing with blowers and heat vents, and a removable burn pot base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single speed auger motor is used to convey pellets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of emptying the pellet hopper increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a single-speed auger motor to a variable-speed auger motor that can adjust its rotational speed based on operational requirements. This allows the system to optimize between normal operation and hopper emptying modes, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and emptying productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using different auger motor speeds for different operational phases: a lower speed during normal pellet conveyance and a higher speed during hopper emptying. This periodic variation in operational parameters enables the system to achieve high productivity during emptying while maintaining simplicity during normal operation.
2Device complexity
If radiant heat only is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area of heating coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two heating methods: radiant heat from the burn pot and forced air circulation through blowers and vents. This combination allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while significantly expanding the heating coverage area, as the forced air system distributes heat throughout the outdoor space rather than just radiating from the heater location.
3Reliability
If a continuous AC power supply is required, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the ease of operation and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heater from the constraint of continuous AC power by implementing a battery-powered system with AC charging capability. This allows the heater to operate independently in outdoor locations without AC access while maintaining reliable power supply through rechargeable batteries that can be charged when AC power is available.
4Device complexity
If a standard ash removal system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for ash cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ash removal function by providing removable ash trays or ash pans that can be easily detached from the burn pot assembly. This segmentation allows users to remove and clean ash containers separately rather than disassembling the entire heater, significantly improving ease of operation for ash cleaning while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 solution provides a portable, efficient, and versatile heating solution that covers a larger area, reduces power consumption, and improves ash removal and aromatic distribution, enhancing outdoor heating experiences.
Implementation Method 1
an auger system disposed within the base housing between the burn pot and solid fuel hopper
Implementation Method 2
a burn pot disposed within the burn pot housing... capable of providing a controlled burn rate and level of heat
Implementation Method 3
one or more blowers disposed within the base housing, said one or more blowers connected to the intake housing... a forced air system to distributed heated air in a relatively large area around the heater
Implementation Method 4
one or more heat vents provided in the base housing
Implementation Method 5
distributed heated air in a relatively large area around the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A solid pellet fueled heater having a base unit with forced air blowers and a dual tube chimney structure is disclosed. The dual tube chimney structure may be used to warm incoming air for distribution around the heater. The pellet heater may also include a dual auger system and multi/high speed auger motor. The dual auger may include first and second auger blades mounted on a single auger shaft having blade pitches configured to convey solid fuel in opposite directions.