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 inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A table with a recessed heating appliance that uses combustible fuel, featuring a sealed chamber with a window for flame visibility, air control, and a flue exhaust to direct emissions away from users, along with a catalytic converter for emission reduction and a mechanism to raise or lower the heating element for heat control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outdoor gas heaters are used to heat outdoor areas, then heating effect is achieved, but carbon emissions are high 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 combustion reaction to provide both heating and aesthetic benefits while reducing harmful emissions through controlled air supply and containment
Solution Approach 2:
The glass chamber acts as an intermediary between the combustion process and the outdoor environment, mediating the release of heat while containing and filtering emissions, thus providing heating benefits while minimizing environmental harm
2Illumination intensity
If fire pits and chemineas are used for outdoor heating, then visual appeal is provided, but harmful particulate emissions are produced and fuel efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful uncontrolled combustion in fire pits into a beneficial controlled combustion system by using a glass-enclosed chamber with regulated air supply, maintaining the visual appeal of flames while significantly reducing particulate emissions through efficient combustion control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the combustion parameters by controlling air supply through adjustable vents and restricting openings, optimizing the combustion process to reduce particulate emissions while maintaining visual appeal and heating efficiency
3Temperature
If electric heaters are installed in tables for outdoor use, then heating function is provided, but power cords are unsightly and pose tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric heating system with a combustion-based heating system that uses fuel combustion instead of electrical elements, eliminating the need for power cords and electrical connections while providing the same heating function
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is designed to be self-contained with its own fuel source and combustion mechanism, making it independent of external electrical infrastructure and suitable for outdoor table use without requiring power outlets
4Temperature
If fire pits and chemineas are used for outdoor heating, then heat is produced, but heat control is difficult and fuel efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the combustion parameters by controlling air supply through adjustable vents and restricting openings, optimizing the combustion process to improve fuel efficiency and allow precise control of heat output
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates controllable air supply mechanisms that allow users to adjust combustion intensity based on desired heat output, providing feedback control over the heating process to optimize fuel 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
Provides efficient heat radiation, an attractive ambience, and controlled emissions, while minimizing environmental impact and eliminating the need for external power cords.
Implementation Method 1
heating appliance having a substantially sealed chamber for receiving combustible fuel with which said heating appliance is used
Implementation Method 2
enables the fuel to be used efficiently to produce heat which radiates from the chamber
Implementation Method 3
The at least one window may allow an attractive view of flames from combusting fuel to be seen
Implementation Method 4
The glass may be heat reflective
Implementation Method 5
The flue exhaust directs emissions or smoke away from people sitting around the table
Implementation Method 6
The heating appliance may include a catalytic converter for reducing emissions, such as carbon emissions, from the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A table has a table top containing an opening. A heating appliance is in the opening wherein the heating appliance extends at least beneath the table top. The table top opening comprises a recess in which the heating appliance is received, and the recess has at least one wall below the table top. The heating appliance has a substantially sealed chamber for receiving combustible fuel with which the heating appliance is used, and the chamber has at least one window.