Venturi Mixing Device Nozzle Inserts for Gas Appliance Power Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixing devices for gas appliances struggle to adapt to a wide range of power outputs due to the need for multiple, cost-intensive tooling and component designs, with limited ability to adjust flow velocities and gas supply control, especially at lower power levels.

Innovation Solution

A mixing device with a housing and interchangeable nozzle inserts that adjust the flow cross-sectional area, using a Venturi nozzle design where the housing forms the inlet section and the nozzle insert forms the outlet section, allowing for variable performance without requiring different housing designs for each power rating, and incorporating a displacement body to enhance flow velocity and pressure recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple housing designs with adapted die-casting tools are used for different output ranges, then the mixing device can be precisely adapted to specific power outputs, but manufacturing costs and tooling complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different power outputsVSAvoidmanufacturing costs and tooling effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing device is divided into a standardized housing and interchangeable nozzle inserts. The housing remains identical across all power outputs while the nozzle inserts are varied to achieve different flow characteristics. This segmentation allows the same housing mold to be used for all power ranges, eliminating the need for multiple die-casting tools while maintaining precise adaptation to different outputs through nozzle selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple nozzle inserts with different flow cross-sectional areas. This universal housing design serves all power output ranges, allowing a single housing mold to produce housings for all appliance sizes. The multi-functionality is achieved by making the housing compatible with various nozzle inserts rather than creating dedicated housings for each power level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the flow cross-sectional area is reduced for lower power outputs, then the vacuum generated by the nozzle becomes sufficient for gas supply control, but the housing design must be changed for each power range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas supply control at low flow velocitiesVSAvoidnumber of different housing designs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow cross-sectional area adjustment is achieved by segmenting the nozzle into interchangeable inserts rather than redesigning the entire housing. Each nozzle insert is optimized for specific flow ranges, allowing precise control of gas supply at low flow velocities without requiring different housing designs. The standardized housing maintains the same geometry while the nozzle inserts provide the necessary flow area variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable nozzle inserts with different flow cross-sectional areas are used, then a wide performance range can be covered with identical housings, but the nozzle insert design and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance range coverageVSAvoidnozzle insert variety and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal housing design with standardized mounting features accommodates multiple nozzle inserts with different flow cross-sectional areas. The housing includes a universal connection interface that simplifies the assembly of different nozzle inserts, reducing the complexity despite the variety of inserts needed for wide performance range coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables a mixing device to cover a large power spectrum with reduced manufacturing costs and improved gas supply control across various outputs, ensuring efficient operation by maximizing flow velocity and pressure recovery, thus eliminating the need for multiple tooling and reducing leaks.

Implementation Method 1

the housing has an inlet area which forms an inlet section of a Venturi nozzle that tapers in the direction of flow, and wherein the nozzle insert forms at least one outlet section of the Venturi nozzle that widens in the direction of flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

According to Bernoulli's principle, the highest flow velocity and thus the lowest pressure prevail in the region of the narrowest cross-section, so that the gas supply preferably takes place in these areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBernoulli's principle: Bernoulli Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2686609B1Mixing device for mixing combustion air and gas for a gas appliance
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 EBM PAPST LANDSHUT GMBH
  • EP2686609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2686609B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2686609B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mixing device for mixing combustion air and gas for a gas appliance, having a housing with a gas supply connected thereto, and having a nozzle insert which is arranged in the housing and which has a predetermined throughflow cross-sectional area. The housing has an inlet region forming an inlet portion, which narrows in the flow direction, of a venturi nozzle, wherein the nozzle insert forms at least one outlet portion, which widens in the flow direction, of the venturi nozzle.