A table having a heating appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor heating solutions like gas heaters and fire pits are environmentally destructive, inefficient, and lack control over heat and emissions, while electric heaters have unsightly power cords and limited heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
A table with a heating appliance featuring a sealed combustible fuel chamber, air inlet for efficient combustion, heat reflective glass windows for aesthetic appeal, and a flue exhaust to direct emissions away from users, along with a mechanism to control air supply and heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outdoor gas heaters are used to heat outdoor areas, then heating coverage is improved, but carbon emissions increase and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful open combustion process into a beneficial controlled combustion system by enclosing the flame in a glass chamber, allowing the same fuel source to provide heating while significantly reducing harmful emissions and improving fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the combustion parameters by controlling air supply through adjustable air inlets and optimizing the fuel-to-air ratio within the sealed chamber, thereby improving combustion efficiency and reducing harmful emissions while maintaining effective heating
2Illumination intensity
If fire pits and chemineas are used for outdoor heating, then visual appeal is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates and harmful particulate emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the system: the glass chamber walls are transparent/ translucent to maintain visual appeal of the flame, while the combustion chamber is sealed to improve fuel efficiency and control emissions, creating localized quality improvements throughout the structure
3Illumination intensity
If fire pits and chemineas are used for outdoor heating, then atmospheric effect is improved, but control over smoke and heat deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control elements including adjustable air inlets that allow users to control the rate of combustion and smoke production, and a movable glass panel that enables adjustment of the atmospheric effect while maintaining control over heat and smoke management
4Temperature
If electric heaters are used in tables, then heating function is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to power cords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating appliance with the table structure by integrating the fuel chamber, glass enclosure, and combustion system into the table design, eliminating the need for external power cords and creating a unified aesthetic appearance while maintaining effective heating function
5Loss of energy
If a sealed chamber is used for fuel combustion, then fuel efficiency is improved, but air supply control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air supply system into multiple separate adjustable inlets positioned at different locations within the chamber, allowing independent control of air flow to optimize combustion efficiency while keeping each individual control mechanism simple and straightforward
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 efficient heat radiation, a visually appealing flame view, and controlled emissions, creating a warm and inviting outdoor ambiance while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially sealed chamber for receiving combustible fuel with which the heating appliance is used... for combusting the combustible fuel
Implementation Method 2
The at least one window may comprise a pane. The at least one window may be translucent or transparent. The at least one window may comprise glass. The glass may be heat reflective.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A table (1) has a table top (2) containing an opening (3). A heating appliance (10) is in the opening (3) wherein the heating appliance (10) extends at least beneath the table top (2). The table top opening (3) comprises a recess (5) in which the heating appliance (10) is received, and the recess (5) has at least one wall (7) below the table top (2). The heating appliance (10) has a substantially sealed chamber (13) for receiving combustible fuel (47) with which the heating appliance (10) is used, and the chamber (13) has at least one window (35, 45).