Additional Pellet Feeder With Stackable Tanks for Longer Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The autonomy of pellet stoves is limited by their pellet storage capacity, requiring frequent refilling, which reduces operating time.
Innovation Solution
A complementary pellet feed device with an additional storage tank and gravity-fed system that increases the storage capacity and facilitates refilling by allowing multiple tanks to be stacked and easily connected to the stove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the storage bin volume is increased to extend operating time, then the autonomy of the pellet stove is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple separate tanks (first storage tank, second storage tank, third storage tank) that can be independently filled and managed. This segmentation allows the total storage capacity to be increased without requiring a single large complex tank, thereby extending operating time while maintaining relative simplicity in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The tanks are arranged in a nested configuration where the second storage tank is positioned within the first storage tank, and the third storage tank is positioned within the second storage tank. This nesting approach allows multiple storage volumes to be combined in a compact footprint, increasing total storage capacity and operating time without proportionally increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the device.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the storage bin volume is increased to reduce refilling frequency, then the operating time is extended, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to harder-to-access storage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple tanks with the first storage tank being accessible from the outside of the housing, while the second and third storage tanks are positioned internally. This segmentation allows users to easily refill the first tank without disassembling the entire structure, maintaining ease of operation while the internal tanks provide additional storage capacity to extend operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to allow preliminary filling of the first storage tank from external sources, and the internal tanks (second and third) are pre-configured to be filled through the first tank or via dedicated access points. This preliminary action capability enables users to refill the main accessible tank easily, while the internal tanks are filled in advance or through the same accessible interface, maintaining operational ease while extending total storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tanks are stacked to increase storage capacity, then the pellet storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tanks are arranged in a nested configuration where the second storage tank is positioned within the first storage tank, and the third storage tank is positioned within the second storage tank. This nesting approach allows multiple storage volumes to be combined in a compact footprint, increasing total storage capacity while the modular design simplifies assembly through standardized coupling elements and alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements and mounting structures are designed with universal characteristics that allow the tanks to be assembled and disassembled using the same interface. This universality simplifies the assembly process for multiple tanks, reducing assembly complexity while enabling the stacking configuration that increases pellet storage capacity.
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
Extends the operating time of the pellet stove by increasing its pellet storage capacity and reducing the frequency of refilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a tank (24) which is adapted to contain pellets and which comprises an upper inlet mouth (28) provided for filling the tank with pellets, and a lower outlet mouth (34) provided for the flow of pellets by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a valve (36) which is movably mounted on the outlet mouth (34) of the tank, between a closed position in which the pellets are retained in the tank and an open position in which the pellets can flow through the outlet mouth (34) by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a supplementary pellet feed device (12) for a pellet stove (10), characterized in that it comprises at least one reservoir (24) which is adapted to contain pellets, a coupling sleeve (52) which extends from the outlet mouth of the reservoir (24), to a lower section intended to be in communication with an inlet orifice (64) of a pellet stove (10), said inlet orifice (64) being connected to a pellet storage tank (22) of said stove (10), and a valve (36) which equips the reservoir (24) and which is mounted to move between a closed position in which the pellets are retained in the reservoir (24) and an open position in which the pellets can flow by gravity to feed the storage tank (22) of the stove (10).