Towable heater

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable industrial heaters require different heating capacities based on the industry of use, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple units with varying capacities.

Innovation Solution

A portable industrial heater system that includes a modular housing with multiple compartments, one or more indirect fired burners, and a generator, allowing for adjustable heating capacity by selectively using or removing burner compartments and fuel tanks, and enabling remote operation of heating units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional portable industrial heaters are designed with fixed heating capacities for different industries, then each industry can receive dedicated heating solutions, but multiple units with varying capacities are required leading to increased costs and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capacity adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of units required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heater is divided into modular components including removable burner assemblies, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) modules, and interchangeable nozzles. Each module can be independently configured or removed to adjust heating capacity. The housing contains multiple mounting positions that accept different burner sizes and types, allowing the system to be reconfigured for different industrial applications without requiring entirely different heater units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heater system incorporates dynamic adjustability through removable and reconfigurable components. Burner assemblies can be added or removed based on heating requirements, and the SCR system can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This dynamic configuration allows a single heater unit to adapt to varying heating demands across different industries, replacing the need for multiple fixed-capacity units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If portable industrial heaters use direct fired burners, then heating efficiency is improved, but harmful emissions are generated requiring additional treatment systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that converts harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from the burners into beneficial nitrogen and water vapor. The SCR catalyst is positioned within the exhaust path to chemically transform the harmful byproducts of efficient combustion into environmentally benign substances, allowing the heater to maintain high heating efficiency while eliminating harmful emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The SCR catalyst acts as an intermediary substance between the harmful emissions and the environment. It facilitates the chemical reaction that converts nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water, serving as a mediating element that enables the system to achieve both efficient heating and emission reduction simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If heating units are operated remotely, then operational safety and flexibility are enhanced, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical control with electronic and wireless control mechanisms. A controller with user interface enables remote operation through electronic signals, and wireless communication capabilities allow operation without physical presence near the heater. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic systems achieves remote operation while keeping the control architecture integrated and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides flexible and efficient heating solutions for various industrial applications by allowing for adjustable heating capacity and remote operation, reducing the need for multiple units and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

one or more indirect fired burners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

configured to heat air passing through the housing from the air inlet to the air outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12215894B2Towable heater

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A portable heater includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, one or more burners housing within the housing and configured to heat air passing through the housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a duct positioned in a storage compartment of the housing. The duct includes a first end coupled to the storage compartment and a second end extendable from the housing when a door of the storage compartment is in an open position.