Vibratory Pellet Feed Mechanism to Replace Noisy Augers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pellet fuel combustion devices suffer from mechanical wear and noise due to the use of rotating augers and reduction gear assemblies, leading to frequent malfunctions and inoperability when these components fail, which can result in issues like frozen pipes and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory feed mechanism using a spring-supported feed plate vibrated by an electric motor with an offset counterweight to move pelletized fuel from a fuel reservoir to a metering channel and drop tube, eliminating the need for an auger, auger motor, and reduction gear assembly, thereby reducing wear and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating feed auger with reduction gear assembly is used to move pelletized fuel, then the fuel can be transported from the reservoir to the fire pot, but mechanical wear and noise increase leading to frequent malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the auger and reduction gear assembly from the system entirely, replacing them with a vibratory feed mechanism that uses vibration to move fuel pellets directly from the reservoir to the fire pot, eliminating the complex mechanical transmission components that caused wear and failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation-based auger system with a vibration-based mechanism that uses oscillating motion to convey fuel, substituting a simpler mechanical system for the complex gear-driven auger system
2Temperature
If the auger motor starts and stops frequently to maintain heat, then the desired temperature can be maintained, but noise and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibratory mechanism that uses oscillating motion to move fuel pellets, creating a smoother operational cycle that reduces noise compared to the start-stop rotation of traditional auger motors while maintaining precise temperature control
3Reliability
If fuel pellets with rough surfaces are used to enhance combustion, then fire catchability improves, but wear and abrasion on auger surfaces increase causing binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the auger tube and auger screw that are subject to abrasion from rough fuel pellet surfaces, replacing them with a vibratory mechanism that has minimal contact surfaces, thereby preventing the wear and binding problems while still delivering rough-surfaced pellets effectively
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 vibratory feed mechanism significantly reduces mechanical wear and noise, enhances reliability, and allows for precise control of fuel feed and temperature, ensuring consistent operation of pellet fuel combustion devices without the common issues associated with traditional auger-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-supported feed plate vibrated by an electric motor with an offset counterweight to move pelletized fuel from a fuel reservoir
Implementation Method 2
spring-supported feed plate
Implementation Method 3
spring-supported feed plate vibrated by an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A vibratory feed mechanism for pellet fuel combustion device provides a spring-mounted feed plate communicating with a fuel reservoir and vibrated by an electric motor carrying an offset counterweight to move pelletized fuel from a first position on the feed plate to a feed orifice defined in the feed plate for communication of the pelletized fuel to a metering channel and a drop tube for conveyance to a fire pot. A control board communicating with an igniter, at least one thermocouple, a combustion fan, and the electric motor allow a user to set a desired parameter which controls the rate of pelletized fuel feed and temperature and operating conditions.