Vacuum Fuel Loading Device for Heating Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating apparatuses face difficulties in efficiently and easily loading solid fuels like biomass into their reservoirs, especially for users with motor difficulties, due to the weight and bulk of fuel bags, leading to potential spills and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with suctioning means and telescopic conduits connects to a high-capacity fuel container, allowing for controlled suction and conveyance of fuel into the heating apparatus, minimizing manual lifting and reducing spillage through a vacuum-assisted system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bag of solid fuel is lifted to a height greater than the opening of the access space to the reservoir, then the fuel can be introduced into the reservoir, but the operation becomes difficult due to the high weight and bulk of the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lifting operation with a vacuum-based pneumatic system. A vacuum source creates negative pressure to suction the fuel from the bag through a conduit directly into the reservoir, eliminating the need for manual lifting and overturning of the heavy fuel bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a vacuum suction system where a vacuum source generates negative pressure to convey the solid fuel through a conduit from the bag into the reservoir. This pneumatic approach allows fuel transfer without mechanical handling of the heavy bag.
2Ease of operation
If small quantities of fuel are drawn from the bag using a shovel or similar tool, then the bag does not need to be lifted, but part of the fuel may be accidentally dispersed outside the heater, thus dirtying the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual shoveling with an automated vacuum suction system that draws fuel through a sealed conduit. This eliminates the open handling that causes fuel dispersion and contamination, as the fuel is conveyed enclosed within the conduit system under vacuum pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum conduit acts as an intermediary channel that transfers fuel from the bag to the reservoir without direct human handling. This intermediate enclosed pathway prevents fuel from dispersing into the surrounding environment, eliminating the contamination issue associated with manual shoveling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the final user is a person affected by temporary or permanent motor difficulties, then the loading operation may be impossible to perform manually, but no suitable device is available to assist
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is designed to perform the loading operation autonomously once activated. The user simply needs to start the vacuum source and position the conduit near the fuel bag, after which the system self-regulates the suction and fuel transfer process, making it accessible to users with motor difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the physically demanding manual lifting and shoveling operations with an automated vacuum system that requires minimal physical effort from the user. The vacuum source provides the necessary force for fuel transfer, enabling users with motor difficulties to load fuel independently.
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
Enables quick, reliable, and easy fuel loading for all users, including those with motor difficulties, while preventing fuel loss and contamination, facilitating the use of alternative energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
loading means comprising suctioning means (5) adapted to create a vacuum and draw the fuel (3) from the container (4) into its interior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for loading fuel (3) into a heating apparatus (2) for the actuation thereof, the loading device (1) being associable with the heating apparatus (2), comprises elements (5) for suctioning fuel (3), at least one first pipe or conduit (7) designed to connect the suction elements (5) with a container (4) of the fuel (3) and elements (9) for dispensing or discharging the fuel (3) suctioned by the suction elements (5) into the heating apparatus (2).