SWI Heater Support Assembly With Angled Offset for Wider Patio Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LPG patio heaters are inefficient, bulky, and obtrusive, with low energy conversion rates and high operational costs, while existing SWI heaters are limited by their mounting arrangements that restrict heating area and are not easily portable.
Innovation Solution
A SWI heater support assembly featuring a mounting pole with an angled offset section, adjustable height, and a base unit with wheels, allowing for non-obtrusive placement and efficient heating of larger areas without the need for frequent refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tripod stand is used to mount the SWI heater, then the heater can be positioned close to the heating area, but the tripod stand becomes obtrusive and blocks the heating area
Solution Approach 1:
The heater head is extracted and offset from the mounting pole using an angled pole section. This separates the heating function from the support structure, allowing the heater to be positioned close to the heating area while the base remains set back and non-obtrusive.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from a ground-level tripod to a vertical pole with an angled offset section. This dimensional change allows the heater to be elevated and positioned in three-dimensional space, achieving close proximity to the heating area without the base occupying the heating zone.
2Ease of operation
If a wall-mounted SWI heater is used, then the heater can be positioned close to the heating area, but the heating area is limited to the area adjacent to the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The free-standing mounting pole with adjustable height and angled offset section provides universal positioning capability. Unlike wall-mounted units constrained to wall-adjacent areas, this system can be positioned anywhere in the patio space, adapting to different heating area requirements and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting pole incorporates adjustable height mechanisms and rotatable joints that allow dynamic repositioning of the heater head. This enables the heating area to be adjusted and redirected to cover different zones, providing versatility in heating area coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional LPG heater is used, then the heater can be moved around, but it is bulky and hard to move
Solution Approach 1:
The heater system is segmented into a stationary mounting pole with base and a separate heater head on an adjustable arm. This segmentation allows the heavy mounting structure to remain fixed while the lighter heater head can be repositioned, achieving portability without requiring the entire system to be moved.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If an LPG heater is used, then the heater can operate continuously, but it requires periodic refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fuel delivery system of LPG heaters is replaced with an electrical heating element powered by electricity. This substitution eliminates the need for periodic refilling of propane tanks, allowing continuous operation without interruption for fuel replenishment.
5Use of energy by moving object
If an LPG heater is used, then the heater can heat the surrounding area, but it has low energy conversion rate and high operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical combustion process of LPG heaters is replaced with an electrical resistance heating element. This substitution improves energy conversion efficiency by eliminating losses associated with combustion and heat transfer through air, directly converting electrical energy to thermal energy with higher efficiency.
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 more efficient, cost-effective, and portable heating system that can heat larger areas without being obtrusive, with improved energy conversion rates and reduced operational costs compared to conventional LPG heaters.
Implementation Method 1
SWI heaters have an energy conversion rate of approximately 92% and can be used indoors or outdoors. SWI heaters directly heat an object and not the air around the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for heating a patio, the system comprising: a head unit comprising a heating unit configured for heating a patio; an offset assembly, wherein the offset assembly is coupled to the head unit; a mounting pole comprising a plurality of sections, the mounting pole being coupled to the offset assembly; and a base unit the base unit supporting the mounting pole.