Torch-Hood Assembly with Double Plate Insulation and Chimney
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flaming systems for crop pest control are inefficient, particularly in conventional farming, due to suboptimal propane usage and susceptibility to wind interference, and they cause soil erosion and water loss during mechanical cultivation.
Innovation Solution
A torch-hood assembly with a fuel flow 'swirl' element and a thermocouple for efficient heat transfer, combined with a hood design featuring double plate sides and an upwardly opening chimney to enhance heat retention and reduce radiation, allowing for more effective and efficient flaming in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional propane burning systems are used, then the flaming process can be performed, but the system is inefficient and consumes excessive propane
Solution Approach 1:
The hood is divided into multiple sections including a combustion chamber, heating zone, and working zone separated by baffles. This segmentation allows optimized fuel combustion in one section while efficiently utilizing heat in subsequent sections, improving overall flaming efficiency and reducing propane consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of propane from liquid to gas through controlled vaporization in the combustion chamber, and then controls the temperature and flow parameters through the heating and working zones. This parameter optimization ensures complete combustion and efficient heat transfer, reducing propane consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple propane burning systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system is susceptible to wind interference and ineffective in various conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly acts as an intermediary structure that encloses and directs the flame path. The baffle plates and controlled openings serve as intermediaries to manage airflow and protect the combustion process from external wind interference, enabling consistent performance in various weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood assembly uses a structured enclosure with controlled openings that can adapt to different operating conditions. The design allows for adjustable airflow management while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical cultivation is used for weed control, then weeds can be eliminated, but soil erosion and water loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical cultivation with a thermal system (propane combustion and flame heating). This substitution eliminates the need for physical soil disturbance, thereby preventing soil erosion and water loss while achieving effective weed control through thermal destruction of plant tissues.
4Loss of energy
If the hood is closed to retain heat, then heat retention improves, but heat radiation to surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hood is segmented into distinct zones (combustion, heating, working) separated by baffle plates. This segmentation allows heat to be retained and utilized sequentially in each zone, directing heat toward the target area rather than allowing uncontrolled radiation in all directions, thus improving heat retention while minimizing harmful radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts what would normally be wasted heat radiation into useful thermal energy by directing it through the baffle plates into the heating and working zones. The heat that might otherwise radiate harmfully is instead channeled to perform useful work in weed control, turning a potential harm into a benefit.
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 reduces propane consumption by up to 50%, minimizes soil erosion and water loss, and maintains effectiveness in windy conditions, providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for crop pest control.
Implementation Method 1
provision for auto-ignition of fuel
Implementation Method 2
provision for atomizing fuel for easy combustion
Implementation Method 3
double plate arrangement such that insulating air, which is free to flow, is present between said double plates
Implementation Method 4
upwardly opening chimney structure
Implementation Method 5
flaming serves as an alternative to use of pesticides and is an organic process for eliminating and supressing of weeds and pests
Data Source
AI summary
Hood assemblies for use in flaming crops having effective top, right and left lateral sides, on at least one of said effective top and/or lateral sides there being a double plate arrangement such that insulating air, which is free to flow, is present between said double plates. Distinguishing factors can include, at a longitudinally rearward end thereof, the presence of an upwardly opening chimney structure.