Supply air control device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air supply control systems for heating devices require manual operation and separate control for primary and secondary air, which is inefficient and lacks automation, especially in furnaces like firewood fireplaces where user presence and knowledge are necessary.

Innovation Solution

A supply air control device with a single control element that rotates to divide incoming air into primary and secondary air streams, allowing for automated adjustment based on combustion phases and conditions, using a combination of stationary and rotary elements to manage air distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate control devices are used for primary air and secondary air, then air supply control is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply controlVSAvoidcontrol device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate control devices for primary air and secondary air into a single integrated control device. The housing contains both primary and secondary air outlets with a common control mechanism that can independently regulate each air stream through a unified interface, reducing the number of separate controls while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control device performs multiple functions by housing both primary air control and secondary air control within one unit. The control mechanism can selectively direct air flow to different outlets or regulate both simultaneously, providing universal control capability for multiple air supply functions.

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

2Extent of automation

If manual control is used for air supply, then user control is achieved, but extent of automation deteriorates and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply controlVSAvoidmanual adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device enables automated air supply regulation by incorporating sensors and control mechanisms that automatically adjust primary and secondary air flow based on combustion conditions. The system self-regulates air supply without requiring continuous manual intervention, while still allowing user override when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If room air is supplied through viewing window, then secondary air supply is achieved, but harmful factors increase due to condensation and sooting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensation and sootingVSAvoidair supply efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controlled air supply system that acts as an intermediary between the combustion chamber and the external environment. Instead of relying on uncontrolled room air flow through the viewing window, the system uses regulated air outlets with control mechanisms to supply secondary air, preventing condensation and sooting while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and automated control of air supply for optimal combustion, maintaining consistent temperature and reducing manual intervention, improving combustion efficiency and preventing fogging and sooting on transparent panes.

Implementation Method 1

room air flows into the furnace above the viewing window and, because its temperature is lower than the air temperature in the furnace and therefore its density is greater than that of the air in the furnace, falls down the viewing window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

enables efficient and automated control of air supply for optimal combustion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

the secondary airflow can, for example, be directed through a clear viewing window – as mentioned above – to prevent condensation and sooting of the glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP1832813B1Supply air control device
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 RIENER KARL STEFAN
  • EP1832813B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1832813B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP1832813B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

The supply air control device (1) has an air supply opening (3) through which an air supply is discharged in the supply air control device. The two regulating elements (5,7) are arranged relative to each other in rotating manner. The supply sir is supplied as primary air or as secondary air through the primary air opening (17) or secondary air opening (15), depending on the rotation of a regulating element.