V-Shaped Grill Burner Firebox for Efficient Infrared Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared grills and burner systems face challenges in achieving thermal efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and complexity, with issues such as excessive metal usage, heat carryover between cooking zones, and limitations in using both infrared and convective cooking methods.
Innovation Solution
A V-shaped burner firebox with a reduced volume, utilizing a double-walled design with a V-shaped cross-section and insulating gaps to enhance heat transfer and reduce fuel consumption, allowing for adjustable fuel input and improved air-to-fuel ratios, while maintaining efficient combustion and preventing flame failure in windy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a rectangular firebox is used in prior art box burners, then the combustion gas volume is sufficient, but the metal usage is excessive and the structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a traditional rectangular firebox to a V-shaped firebox cross-section. This asymmetric geometry reduces the surface area and volume of the firebox structure while maintaining sufficient combustion gas volume, thereby reducing metal usage and weight without compromising combustion performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the firebox from rectangular to V-shaped, which fundamentally alters the relationship between volume and surface area. This parameter change allows for reduced material usage while preserving the necessary combustion chamber volume for adequate gas flow and heat transfer
2Temperature
If sloped baffles and insulation layers are added to the rectangular burner box, then infrared radiant energy direction is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped firebox inherently provides the sloped surfaces needed for directing infrared radiant energy, eliminating the need for separate internal baffles. The asymmetric V-geometry naturally channels heat and radiation toward the cooking grate, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective heat direction
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped firebox structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains combustion gases, directs infrared radiant energy toward the cooking surface, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate baffle components, reducing device complexity while achieving the same thermal management goals
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-walled firebox is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but thermal efficiency and heat retention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a double-walled firebox construction where an inner V-shaped combustion chamber is surrounded by an outer wall with insulating material in between. This composite structure combines the manufacturing simplicity of separate components with the thermal efficiency of insulation, creating a system that is both easier to manufacture and more energy-efficient
4Quantity of substance
If the firebox volume is reduced, then fuel consumption decreases, but combustion stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The V-shaped cross-section creates a more compact and efficient combustion chamber volume that reduces the total amount of fuel needed while maintaining stable combustion. The asymmetric geometry optimizes air flow patterns and heat distribution, ensuring reliable combustion even in the reduced volume
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the firebox geometry to V-shaped, the patent optimizes the volume-to-surface-area ratio and improves air-fuel mixing characteristics. These parameter changes enable reduced fuel consumption while maintaining combustion stability through enhanced thermal efficiency and better gas flow dynamics
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 V-shaped burner assembly improves thermal efficiency, reduces fuel usage, and enhances infrared energy transmission to food, while being simpler and less costly to manufacture, with improved flame management and heat distribution, and reduced flare-ups.
Implementation Method 1
Outdoor grilling systems which utilize infrared radiant energy for cooking are known in the art
Implementation Method 2
provide the option of alternatively using a convective grate for convective cooking
Implementation Method 3
A V-shaped burner firebox which preferably has a firebox volume in the range from about 60% to about 25%, more preferably from about 55% to about 35%, of that of a rectangular box burner
Implementation Method 4
a burner element extending longitudinally in the combustion chamber above the bottom of the inner wall
Data Source
AI summary
A grill and a burner assembly therefor. The burner assembly utilizes a V-shaped firebox having a V-shaped combustion chamber containment wall, which defines a combustion chamber of significantly reduced volume. The burner assembly can also have a V-shaped outer insulating wall which is positioned outside of the combustion chamber containment wall such that an insulating gap is formed between the inner V-shaped wall and the outer V-shaped wall. A burner element preferably extends longitudinally within the combustion chamber of the firebox above the bottom of the V-shaped combustion chamber containment wall.