Rotating Bottom Brazier for Pellet Stove Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current self-cleaning braziers for pellet heating apparatuses are ineffective in removing combustion residues from all areas, particularly those that remain stationary, and do not facilitate partially pyrolytic combustion due to ventilation gaps, and clinker formation obstructs air inflow.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning brazier design with a rotating bottom and strategically positioned protuberances and recesses that extend along the side surface, creating air passage sections on opposite sides of the axis of rotation, allowing for effective cleaning and air inflow, while minimizing central openings to promote pyrolytic combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the bottom is made rotatable to clean combustion residues, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ventilation gaps are created that allow excessive oxygen inflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidexcessive oxygen inflow
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom is segmented into multiple sections: a rotatable lower bottom for cleaning combustion residues, and a stationary upper bottom that remains in place. This segmentation allows the lower bottom to rotate for cleaning while the upper bottom maintains the combustion chamber structure and controls ventilation, preventing excessive oxygen inflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the bottom have different functions and properties. The lower bottom section is designed to be rotatable with scraping elements for cleaning, while the upper bottom section is stationary and forms part of the combustion chamber. This local differentiation enables simultaneous cleaning action and controlled combustion environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If ventilation gaps are created for air inflow, then combustion is improved, but pyrolytic combustion is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion intensityVSAvoidreduced pyrolytic combustion quality
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Air inlet channels are strategically positioned at specific locations on the containment body, away from the central combustion area. This localized air supply provides necessary oxygen for combustion while maintaining limited overall ventilation, creating conditions favorable for pyrolytic combustion in the central region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary upper bottom acts as an intermediary structure that separates the air supply function from the combustion chamber. It allows controlled air inflow through specific channels while preventing direct excessive oxygen access to the combustion zone, thereby supporting pyrolytic combustion conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If clinker is allowed to form, then combustion residues are contained, but air passage sections become obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion residue containmentVSAvoidair passage functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower bottom is designed to rotate, creating dynamic movement that prevents clinker from settling and obstructing air passage sections. This rotational motion continuously clears the passages, maintaining their functionality while still containing combustion residues in the brazier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating bottom mechanism performs self-cleaning of the air passage sections during its operation. The movement of the bottom itself scrapes away clinker and combustion residues from the passages, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and maintaining air flow functionality.

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

This design enables quick and comprehensive cleaning of combustion residues, enhances pyrolytic combustion by ensuring proper air inflow, and effectively addresses clinker issues in air passage sections, improving overall cleaning efficiency and combustion quality.

Implementation Method 1

bottom rotating with respect to said containment body about an axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

partially pyrolytic combustion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 3

configuration of combustion of said brazier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP3067620B1Self-cleaning brazier for heating apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 AICO SPA
  • EP3067620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3067620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3067620B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention concerns a brazier or crucible (1) for a pellet heating apparatus, preferably for a pellet stove, allowing to clean a significant portion of the brazier (1) affected by the presence of combustion residues by means of rotation of the relative bottom (3) and simultaneously obtaining at least a certain side air inflow in the brazier (1), consistent with a partially pyrolytic combustion. The brazier (1) according to the present invention is also suitable to channel said flow and orient it properly for this purpose.