Table having a heating appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor heating solutions like gas heaters, fire pits, and chimineas are environmentally destructive, inefficient, and lack control over heat and emissions, while electric heaters with external power supplies can be unsightly and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A table with a built-in heating appliance featuring a sealed combustible fuel chamber, air inlet control, flue exhaust, and heat reflective glass windows, allowing efficient heat production and attractive flame visibility while directing emissions away from users.
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 heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful combustion process from the heating function by using an electric heating element instead of gas combustion, eliminating carbon emissions while maintaining outdoor heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical combustion system with an electric heating system, substituting the mechanical/chemical process with an electrical one to achieve cleaner heating
2Illumination intensity
If fire pits or chimineas are used for outdoor heating, then visual appeal is improved, but fuel efficiency decreases and particulate emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a glass enclosure as an intermediary between the heating element and the environment, allowing visual appeal to be maintained through controlled viewing while improving fuel efficiency through heat retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a glass shell to enclose the heating element, creating a controlled environment that retains heat while allowing visual observation, thus improving efficiency without sacrificing appeal
3Temperature
If fire pits or chimineas are used for outdoor heating, then heating effect is produced, but control over heat and smoke becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that monitors and adjusts the heating element operation, providing feedback control over heat output and enabling precise temperature management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the heating system dynamic by allowing adjustable power levels and operational modes, enabling real-time control over heat output and smoke management
4Temperature
If electric heaters with external power supply are built into tables, then heating function is improved, but safety hazards and visual appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric heater with the table structure, integrating the power supply and heating elements into the table itself to eliminate external cords and improve safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional table that combines seating, surface, and heating functions into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate heating equipment
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 warm and visually appealing outdoor heating experience with efficient fuel use, reduced emissions, and controlled heat output, addressing the inefficiencies and environmental concerns of traditional heating methods.
Implementation Method 1
a catalytic combustion device for heating a room
Implementation Method 2
heat which radiates from the chamber
Implementation Method 3
The heating appliance may have a catalytic converter for reducing emissions, such as carbon emissions, from the chamber
Implementation Method 4
The glass may be heat reflective
Data Source
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).