OPEN HEARTH FIREPLACE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A fireplace system having one or more elements that operate to reduce the energy of acoustic signals propagating through the fireplace system before they are broadcast from a firebox of the fireplace system into a room within which the fireplace system is located. In some examples, a powered exhaust evacuation system is coupled to the fireplace system and an acoustic attenuation element of the fireplace system operates to reduce the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system as it propagates through the acoustic attenuation element.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/615,260, filed Jan. 9, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to exhaust ventilation systems for fireplaces. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for reducing the acoustic signal of fireplace exhaust ventilation systems that is output or otherwise observable from a fireplace.

BACKGROUND

Fireplaces often serve as a focal point in a room and may be at the heart of a home. Fireplaces come in a variety of styles and types including wood burning fireplaces, gas burning fireplaces, and electric fireplaces. Combustion fireplaces require proper ventilation to avoid exhaust from spilling into the room within which the fireplace is located, which is undesirable and can be dangerous for inhabitants. While traditional ventilation and termination ducting is generally achieved vertically, certain building configurations require horizontal ventilation and/or termination ducting, which generally requires a powered system for properly evacuating combustion products (e.g., exhaust) from the fireplace.

A powered exhaust evacuation system is one modern amenity that facilitates the versatility required to provide building owners with virtually unrestricted freedom to position a fireplace in any desired location. Often referred to as power venting, these systems provide a solution for suitably evacuating exhaust for almost any fireplace configuration and/or location and are compatible with both vertical and horizontal ventilation, and combinations thereof.

However, powered exhaust evacuation systems also create audible tones that detract from the allure and nostalgia of the fireplace. This is especially evident in open hearth fireplaces where the combustion area of the fireplace is exposed to the surrounding environment of the room within which the fireplace is located. These and other conventional systems lack any mechanisms or elements specifically designed to attenuate or otherwise minimize the unnatural sound generated by the powered exhaust evacuation system that is observable at the hearth of the fireplace.

SUMMARY

According to one example, (“Example 1”), a fireplace system comprises a firebox including a combustion chamber configured for combusting a fuel to produce an exhaust, a first exhaust port, a second exhaust port, a powered exhaust component configured to evacuate the exhaust from the combustion chamber, the powered exhaust component producing an acoustic signal during operation, a sound attenuation element having an interior and being situated between the exhaust component and the combustion chamber such that the exhaust is evacuated from the combustion chamber by being drawn through the interior of the sound attenuation element from the first exhaust port to the second exhaust port, and a baffle element situated within the interior region of the sound attenuation element such that the baffle element interrupts a direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports, and such that the baffle element reduces the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust component at a hearth of the firebox.

According to another example, (“Example 2”) further to Example 1, the powered exhaust component generates an acoustic signal having a first sound intensity and wherein the acoustic attenuation element operates to reduce the energy of the acoustic signal such that the acoustic signal has a second, lower sound intensity when broadcast from the combustion chamber of the firebox.

According to another example, (“Example 3”) further to Example 2, the second sound intensity is at least 1 dB lower than the first sound intensity.

According to another example, (“Example 4”) further to Example 1, the second sound intensity is at least 30 dB lower than the first sound intensity.

According to another example, (“Example 5”) further to Example 1, the firebox includes an open hearth.

According to another example, (“Example 6”) further to Example 1, the sound attenuation element includes a top, a bottom opposite the top, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a back, and a front opposite the back, the combination of which define the interior of the sound attenuation element.

According to another example, (“Example 7”) further to Example 6, the baffle element includes an aperture.

According to another example, (“Example 8”) further to Example 6, an aperture is defined between the baffle element and one or more of the top, bottom, first side, second side, back, and front of the sound attenuation element.

According to another example, (“Example 9”) further to Example 6, the baffle element extends between the back and the front of the sound attenuation element.

According to another example, (“Example 10”) further to Example 6, the baffle element extends between the first side and the second side of the sound attenuation element.

According to another example, (“Example 11”) further to Example 1, a plane of the first exhaust port is transverse to a plane of the second exhaust port.

According to another example, (“Example 12”) further to Example 1, a plane of the first exhaust port is normal to a plane of the second exhaust port.

According to another example, (“Example 13”) further to Example 1, the baffle element is situated within the interior of the sound attenuation element such that a first portion of the baffle element obstructs the direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports, and such that a first void is defined adjacent the first portion, wherein the first void facilitates evacuation of the exhaust around the baffle element.

According to another example, (“Example 14”) further to Example 13, the first void is offset relative to the direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports.

According to another example, (“Example 15”) further to Example 13, a second void is defined adjacent the first portion such that the first portion is situated between the first and second voids, and wherein the first and second voids facilitate evacuation of the exhaust around the baffle element.

According to another example, (“Example 16”) further to Example 1, the first and second voids are each offset relative to the direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports.

According to another example, (“Example 17”), an acoustic attenuation apparatus for a firebox including a combustion chamber configured for combusting a fuel to produce an exhaust and a powered exhaust component for evacuating the exhaust from the combustion chamber includes a top, a bottom opposite the top, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a back, and a front opposite the back, the combination of which define a chamber, a first exhaust port, a second exhaust port, and an baffle element positioned within the chamber between the first and second exhaust ports, such that the baffle element interrupts a direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports and such that the baffle element is operable to reduce an acoustic signal of the powered exhaust component in fluid communication with the acoustic attenuation apparatus and a hearth of a firebox.

According to another example, (“Example 18”), a method of reducing an acoustic signal of a powered exhaust component for evacuating an exhaust produced in a combustion chamber of a firebox includes providing a firebox including an exhaust port and a combustion chamber configured for combusting a fuel to produce an exhaust, providing a powered exhaust component configured to evacuate the exhaust from the combustion chamber, the powered exhaust component producing an acoustic signal during operation, coupling a sound attenuation element to the firebox such that the sound attenuation element is in fluid communication with the exhaust port of the firebox and the powered exhaust component, and such that the exhaust is evacuated from the combustion chamber by being drawn through an interior of the sound attenuation element from the exhaust port to the powered exhaust component, and situating a baffle element within the interior region of the sound attenuation element such that the baffle element interrupts a direct flow path between the exhaust port and the powered exhaust component, and such that the baffle element reduces the acoustic signal produced by the powered exhaust component when measured at a hearth of the firebox.

According to another example, (“Example 19”) further to Example 18, the hearth of the firebox is an open hearth.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fireplace system, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the fireplace system of FIG. 1, according to the various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the fireplace system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the fireplace system of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a top view of an acoustic attenuation element, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5B is a cross section view of the acoustic attenuation element of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5C is a cross section view of the acoustic attenuation element of FIG. 5A taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5B, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an acoustic attenuation element, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is top view of a baffle element, according to the various embodiments.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to a fireplace system including a firebox and an acoustic attenuation element. The firebox includes a combustion chamber configured for combusting a gas or other fuel, for example. Combustion of such products generates combustion products, which are then vented or evacuated from the fireplace as those of skill in the art will appreciate. In various examples, combustion products generated during combustion are vented or evacuated from the combustion chamber via venting and an exhaust evacuation system. In various examples, the exhaust evacuation system is powered, as mentioned above. It will thus be appreciated that the fireplace system of the present disclosure is configured to operate in accordance with vertical exhaust arrangements, horizontal exhausting arrangements, and combinations thereof.

The acoustic attenuation element is generally a component of the fireplace system that operates to reduce the energy of acoustic signals propagating therethrough. In various embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below, the acoustic attenuation element operates to reduce the energy of the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system propagating through the acoustic attenuation element. As acoustic attenuation occurs naturally in most media (e.g., air), it should be appreciated that the acoustic attenuation element is configured to maximize the energy loss of the acoustic signal propagating through the acoustic attenuation element. That is, the acoustic attenuation element is configured to increase the efficiency of the energy loss of acoustic signals associated with powered exhaust evacuation systems as they propagate through the acoustic attenuation element relative to the losses expected in convention systems. In other words, where a source of an acoustic signal is situated a distance X from the hearth of a firebox, the acoustic attenuation element is configured to cause an acoustic signal associated with powered exhaust evacuation systems to lose more energy than that same signal would lose if it were to simply propagate through conventional ventilation ducting configurations.

In various embodiments, the acoustic attenuation element is generally situated within the fireplace system such that the combustion products (e.g., exhaust) that are generated as a result of combustion in the combustion chamber of the firebox are drawn through the acoustic attenuation element as they are evacuated from the fireplace system. The acoustic attenuation element is generally positioned between the powered exhaust evacuation system and the firebox. Such a configuration can help ensure the powered exhaust evacuation system is operable to draw combustion products from the firebox while the acoustic attenuation element operates to reduce the energy of the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system that propagates through the acoustic attenuation element. It will be appreciated that by reducing the energy of the acoustic signal propagating through the acoustic attenuation element, the acoustic attenuation element operates to minimize or reduce the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system emanating from the firebox into the room within which the fireplace system is located. Those of skill will thus appreciate that such a configuration provides for a fireplace system that offers wide versatility in terms of fireplace placement within a building as well as modern exhaust evacuation amenities without compromising the allure and nostalgia of the fireplace.

The powered exhaust evacuation system generally includes a powered blower or fan element, as discussed in greater detail below. Generally, the firebox and/or the acoustic attenuation element include one or more exhaust ports or vents that are fluidly coupled with the powered exhaust evacuation system. In some examples, the blower or fan element located outside the firebox and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber of the firebox. For instance, in some examples, the powered exhaust evacuation system is fluidly coupled with one or more exhaust vents or ports of the acoustic attenuation element. In some examples, the powered exhaust evacuation system is additionally or alternatively fluidly coupled with one or more exhaust vents of the firebox.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a fireplace system 1000 that includes a firebox 1100 and an acoustic attenuation element 1200. In various examples, the firebox 1100 includes a shell 1102 that houses or otherwise defines a combustion chamber 1104 and various other known components such as a hearth, burner assemblies, grates, structural support components, vents, and insulation, as those of skill will appreciate. For example, firebox 1100 includes a hearth 1105 and a burner assembly 1106. The firebox vents are generally integrated with an exhaust ducting arrangement to remove combustion products when the fireplace is operating, as those of skill will appreciate. In various examples, the firebox insulation includes one or more of a thermal insulation and an acoustic insulation. In some examples, the firebox insulation operates as both a thermal and an acoustic insulative component. In some examples, the insulation operates to attenuate or absorb acoustic signals (e.g., sound). In some examples, the insulation additionally or alternatively operates to dampen sound. Thus, in various examples, the firebox 1100 generally includes one or more elements or features that provide a sound reduction function (e.g., absorption and/or damping) to reduce noise generated within or propagating within the firebox 1100.

In various examples, the shell 1102 encloses and supports the combustion chamber 1104, and generally includes opposite first 1108 and second 110 sides, an opposite top 1112 and bottom 1114, and an opposite front 1116 and back 1118. While the particular firebox 1100 is illustrated and described in association with the present disclosure, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is generally combinable with or can be modified to be combinable with any commercially available firebox. Thus, the firebox 1100, including its shape, size, and particular configuration should not be viewed as limiting. The firebox 1100 is generally constructed from one or more formed sheet metal parts that are connected together by sheet metal screws, rivets, spot welds, crimping or other equivalent means of connection, all of which is well-known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is situated within the fireplace system 1000 such that the combustion products (e.g., exhaust) are evacuated through the acoustic attenuation element 1200 by the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300. While the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 show the acoustic attenuation element 1200 situated atop the firebox 1100, the firebox 1100 and the acoustic attenuation element 1200 of the fireplace system 1000 may be arranged in a variety of different configurations. Thus, the examples illustrated and described herein should not be viewed as limiting. For instance, in some other examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is coupled to one of the back 1118, the bottom 1114, or one of the first 1108 or second 1110 sides of the firebox 1100. In some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 may be an entirely independent element distinct and separable from the firebox 1100. In some such examples, the firebox 1100 and the acoustic attenuation element 1200 are fluidly coupled via one or more ventilation duct arrangements. Such a configuration provides versatility in the fireplace system 1000 in that the firebox 1100 can be situated in a location distinct and separate from the acoustic attenuation element 1200. In each of the configurations discussed herein, however, it will should be appreciated that the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is situated between the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300 and the firebox 1100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300 generally includes a fan or blower element 1302 encased within a housing 1304 and fluidly coupled with the acoustic attenuation element 1200. In various examples, the housing 1304 includes an inlet 1306 and an outlet 1308. Generally, the inlet 1306 is coupled to one or more of the outlet ports 1222 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, while the outlet 1308 is generally coupled with a ventilation duct arrangement that is routed such that the evacuated exhaust can be expelled from the building or structure within which the fireplace system 1000 is located. It will be appreciated that the systems and methods discussed herein are compatible with virtually any commercially available powered exhaust evacuation system 1300. Thus, the spirit and scope of the application should not be viewed as being limited to the particular exhaust evacuation element illustrated and described herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIG. 6, an acoustic attenuation element 1200 is shown. The acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes opposite first 1204 and second 1206 sides, an opposite top 1208 and bottom 1210, and an opposite front 1212 and back 1214. In various examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes one or more baffle elements 1216 situated within a chamber 1218 interior to the acoustic attenuation element 1200. Generally, the chamber 1218 is a void or hollow region of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 through which exhaust and sound pass. Generally, exhaust (e.g., combustion products) is drawn from the firebox 1100 through the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and into one or more ventilation duct arrangements before the exhaust is expelled into the atmosphere (e.g., the environment outside of the building within which the fireplace system 1000 is located).

The chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 generally employs a larger transverse cross sectional area in comparison with the various duct components of the ventilation duct arrangements such that the chamber 1218 allows exhaust gasses to expand within the chamber 1218 relative to the ventilation duct arrangements. Put differently, in various examples, the chamber 1218 employs a greater volume per unit of length in comparison with the various duct components of the ventilation duct arrangements such that the exhaust gasses expand within the chamber 1218.

In various examples, exhaust gas enters the acoustic attenuation element 1200 via one or more inlet ports 1220 and exits the acoustic attenuation element 1200 via one or more outlet ports 1222. While the one or more inlet ports 1220 are illustrated as extending through the bottom 1210 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, it will be appreciated that the one or more inlet ports 1220 may extend through any one of the top 1208, bottom 1210, first side 1202, second side 1204, front 1212, or back 1214 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, depending on the configuration between the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and the firebox 1100, and/or the exhaust path between the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and the firebox 1100.

Similarly, while the one or more outlet ports 1222 are illustrated as extending through the back 1214 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, it will be appreciated that the one or more outlet ports 1222 may extend through any one of the top 1208, bottom 1210, first side 1202, second side 1204, front 1212, or back 1214 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, depending on the configuration between the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, 5C, and 6 the acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes one or more optional outlet ports 1240 extending through the top 1208 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200.

It should also be appreciated that, while the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222 are illustrated as being perpendicular to one another (e.g., a plane of the inlet port 1220 is perpendicular to a plane of the outlet port 1222), the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222 may be parallel with one another (e.g., the plane of the inlet port 1220 is transverse to the plane of the outlet port 1222), or may be oriented at any relative angle therebetween (e.g., the plane of the inlet port 1220 is transverse to or not parallel with the plane of the outlet port 1222).

In some examples, a total cross sectional area of the one or more inlet ports 1220 is different from a total cross sectional area of the one or more outlet ports 1222. In some examples, a total cross sectional area of the one or more inlet ports 1220 exceeds a total cross sectional area of the one or more outlet ports 1222. In other examples, a total cross sectional area of the one or more outlet ports 1222 exceeds a total cross sectional area of the one or more inlet ports 1220. It will be appreciated that the inlet/outlet port total cross sectional area ratio is selected based on design requirements including, but not limited to, fluid flow rate (e.g., for exhaust evacuation) and acoustic performance (e.g., powered exhaust evacuation system noise).

Smaller cross sectional area restrictions in terms of exhaust ventilation generally enjoy reduce acoustic noise pollution than do ventilation configurations with larger cross section area. However, more restricted ventilation configurations typically require higher fan or blower speeds to achieve the flow rates necessary to properly evacuate exhaust from the combustion chamber 1104 of the firebox 1100. Indeed, more restricted ventilation configurations risk the possibility of unintended spillage of exhaust into the room within which the fireplace system 1000 is located. That is, there exists a possibility that exhaust generated during combustion of fuel within the combustion chamber 1104 of the firebox 1100 may leak into the room within which the fireplace system 1000 is located if the exhaust is not evacuated at a high enough rate. However, higher fan or blower speeds are associated with acoustic signals having higher frequencies and/or amplitude in comparison with blowers or fans operating at lower speeds. Thus, while smaller cross sectional area restrictions in terms of ventilation enjoy the benefit of more efficiently reducing acoustic noise, they suffer from the risk of undesirable spillage of exhaust from the firebox 1100.

Larger cross sectional area restrictions in terms of ventilation also have associated consequences. For example, larger cross sectional areas have diminished attenuation capabilities in comparison with smaller cross section area restrictions because ventilation configurations having larger cross sectional areas are generally less efficient at reducing acoustic noise. However, because more fluid can flow through such configuration per unit of area, fan or blowers can operate at lower speeds, and therefore can be operated at speeds associated with lower frequency and/or amplitude.

The acoustic attenuation element 1200 is an element that can be implemented in ventilation configurations and operates to reduce the energy of acoustic signals as they propagate toward the hearth of the firebox, regardless of whether those ventilation configurations employ large or small cross sections.

With specific reference to FIGS. 5A-6, the inlet port 1220 has a cross sectional area in excess of the cross sectional area of the outlet port 1222. In some examples, an outlet port cross sectional area may be between 50% to 90%, or any range or value therebetween, of the inlet port cross sectional area. For instance, the inlet port may have a diameter of 11 inches while the outlet port has a diameter of 8 inches. However, as mentioned above, alternative configurations with inlet and outlet ports having sizes differing from those mentioned herein may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application.

It will also be appreciated that while the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 122 are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-6 with circular geometries, the inlet and outlet port geometries may be of any suitable shape without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure provided that the selected size and shape of the inlet and outlet port does not render the acoustic attenuation element 1200 ineffectual, as discussed in greater detail below.

Generally speaking, the human hearing range is commonly accepted as between 20 to 20,000 Hz (20 Hz to 20 kHz), though there is considerable variation between individuals and ages, especially at high frequencies. It is also commonly accepted that humans are generally more sensitive to (i.e., able to discern at lowest intensity) frequencies between 2,000 and 5,000 Hz (2 kHz and 5 kHz). Music and speech typically fall within a range of between 100 Hz to 4000 Hz (100 Hz and 4 kHz), for example. Though there is some variation between individuals and ages, a 1 dB change in sound intensity (e.g., about a 12% change in amplitude) is about the smallest change a human being can detect, though 0.5 dB change detections have been observed.

Thus, while the characteristics and features of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 discussed herein may be varied, it should be appreciated that such variations should result in reducing the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust ventilation system 1300 by at least 1 dB, by at least 5 dB, or by at least 10 dB, as observed from the hearth 1105 of the firebox 1100. In some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 operates to reduce the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust ventilation system 1300 such that a sound intensity of the acoustic signal broadcast from the firebox is in the range of between 0 dB and 50 dB, for example. In some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 operates to reduce the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust ventilation system 1300 by an amount in a range of between 10 dB and 50 dB, as observed from the hearth 1105 of the firebox 1100. Moreover, such variations are suitable provided that the spillage of exhaust into the room within which the fireplace system 1000 is located is below a desired threshold.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-6, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes a plurality of walls, including opposing first 1224 and second 1226 side walls, a ceiling 1228, a floor 1230, a front wall 1232, and a back wall 1234. In various examples, one or more of the walls, ceiling 1228, and/or floor 1230 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 include one or more commercially available sheets of material that exhibit one or more of sound absorption and/or sound damping and/or thermal insulative properties and/or structural support properties. In some examples, the walls are formed as composite structures. In some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 may additionally or alternatively include one or more structural support elements. For example, in some instances, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes a structural shell element (e.g., sheet metal) having one or more of the above-discussed sheets of material coupled thereto, as those of skill will appreciate.

As mentioned above, the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222 can be varied in size, and the fan or blower speed can be increase or reduce to achieve optimal evacuation of the combustion products (e.g., exhaust) from the combustion chamber 1104 of the firebox 1100. In some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 can additionally or alternatively, In various examples, in addition to being configured to reduce the energy of acoustic signals propagating therethrough, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is configured to

Moreover, while the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is shown having a trapezoidal shape, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application provided that the selected size and shape does not render the acoustic attenuation element 1200 ineffectual (e.g., less than 1 dB).

In various embodiments, as mentioned above, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes one or more baffle elements 1216. Generally, the baffle element 1216 is an element that projects into the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 in a manner that interferes with the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300 propagating through the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200. The interference may be one or more of an absorption, a damping, and a reflection. Generally, as those of skill will appreciate, such an interference operates to reduce the energy of the acoustic signal.

In various examples, the baffle element 1216 exhibits one or more of sound absorption and/or sound damping and/or thermal insulative properties and/or structural support properties. In various examples, the baffle element 1216 is shaped to conform to the internal geometry of the chamber 1218. In some examples, the baffle element 1216 is configured such that, once placed within the chamber 1218, one or more apertures are defined between the baffle element 1216 and one or more of the walls, ceiling 1228, and/or floor 1230 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200. The apertures operate conduits across the baffle element 1216 from a first side 1252 of the baffle element 1216 to a second opposing side 1254 of the baffle element 1216, through which acoustic signals and exhaust travel to traverse the baffle element 1216, as those of skill will appreciate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5B, 5C, 6, and 7 the baffle element 1216 includes notches 1236 and 1238. In some examples notches 1236 and 1238 are formed along the portion of the perimeter of the baffle element 1216. As shown in FIG. 7, notches 1236 and 1238 are formed in respective corners of the baffle element 1216. It will be appreciated that, in various example, the baffle element 1216 additionally or alternatively includes one or more apertures that, like the notches 1236 and 1238, provide a conduit across the baffle element 1216 from a first side 1252 of the baffle element 1216 to a second opposing side 1254 of the baffle element 1216. The first and second sides 1252 and 1254 may be parallel or nonparallel, liner, or nonlinear (e.g., concave or convex). In various examples, the baffle element 1216 includes opposing back 1246 and front 1246 edges, as well as opposing first 1248 and second 1250 side edges.

In various examples, the baffle element 1216 is situated within the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 such that the baffle element 1216 interrupts a direct line of sight between the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5B, 5C, and 6. In some examples, the baffle element 1216 bifurcates the chamber 1218 into two different regions. A first region 1262 includes a volume that is defined between at least the baffle element 1216 and the outlet port 1222 and a second region 1264 includes a volume that is defined between at least the baffle element 1216 and the inlet port 1220. In some examples the baffle element 1216 is positioned within the chamber 1218 such that the first and second regions 1262 and 1264 have different volumes. In other examples, the baffle element 1216 is positioned within the chamber 1218 such that the first and second regions 1262 and 164 are of the same or similar volume. In some examples, the baffle element 1216 may be oriented within the chamber 1218 such that one or more of the first and second sides 1252 and 1254 are nonparallel with one or more of the ceiling 1228 and the floor 1230 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200. Put differently, in various examples, the baffle element 1216 may be oriented such that one or more of the first and second sides 1252 and 1254 are nonparallel to one or more of the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5B and 5C, the baffle element 1216 is pitched or otherwise angled relative to one or more of the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222 such that the baffle element 1216 is nonparallel with one or more of the inlet and outlet ports 1220 and 1222. In some examples, the baffle element 1216 extends between the first and second side walls 1224 and 1226, and between the front and back walls 1232 and 1234.

In some examples, the back edge 1244 of the baffle element 1216 is positioned adjacent the back wall 1234 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 such that the first side 1252 of the baffle element 1216 is positioned below (e.g., on an inlet port 1220 side of) the outlet port 1222.

In some examples, the back edge 1244 of the baffle element 1216 extends uninterrupted along the back wall 1234 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 from the first side wall 1224 to the second side wall 1226 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200. In some examples, the front edge 1246 of the baffle element 1216 is positioned adjacent the front wall 1232 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and extends only partially between the first side wall 1224 and the second side wall 1226 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200. That is, in some examples, the

Additionally, in some examples, the baffle element 1216 is pitched such that the front edge 1246 of the baffle element 1216 is more distant from the inlet port 1220 (e.g., higher within the chamber 1218) than is the back edge 1244 of the baffle element 1216. However, as mentioned above, other configurations (e.g., size, shape, angle, pitch, aperture location, etc.) are envisioned and may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure provided that the orientation does not render the baffle element 1216 ineffectual or results in unacceptable spillage of exhaust into the room within which the fireplace system 1000 is located (e.g., as discussed above). Thus, it will be appreciated that while the baffle element 1216 is illustrated and described as including notches and/or apertures that are proximate the front wall 1232 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, in various other examples, the baffle element 1216 may be configured or oriented such that one or more apertures or notches are additionally or alternatively more centrally positioned between the front and back walls 1232 and 1234 or are more proximate the back wall 1234. It should also be appreciated that one or more notches and/or apertures may additionally or alternatively be oriented in a non-uniform or offset manner. That is, in some examples, the notches and/or apertures may be configured in a nonsym metrical, or asymmetric, manner.

The baffle element 1216 may be coupled to the back wall 1234 or may be supported by one or more The one or more notches 1236 and 1238 or apertures (not illustrated) provide a conduit through which exhaust (e.g., combustion products) passes when being evacuated, and through which acoustic signals pass as they propagate through the chamber 1218, as mentioned above. That is, in some examples, the notches 1236 and 1238 or apertures provide a conduit between the first region 1262 and the second region 1264.

Generally, the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300 emanates from the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300 (e.g., motor noise, fan noise) and propagates in at least the direction of the acoustic attenuation element 1200, eventually propagating through the outlet port 1222 and into the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 where the acoustic signal encounters the baffle element 1216. Upon encountering the baffle element 1216, the acoustic signal loses energy as a result of its interaction with the baffle element 1216, as discussed herein. From the chamber 1218, the acoustic signal generally propagates toward and eventually through the inlet port 1220 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and into the combustion chamber 1104 of the firebox 1100, where the acoustic signal is eventually broadcast to the room within which the fireplace system 1000 is located.

In some examples, upon encountering the baffle element 1216, the acoustic signal is reflected from the baffle element 1216 into one or more of the walls, the ceiling 1228, the floor 1230, and/or the outlet port 1222. Such a reflection of the acoustic signal increase a distance the acoustic signal must travel before propagating through the inlet port 1220 and into the combustion chamber 1104 of the firebox 1100 than if the acoustic signal were to propagate through the chamber 1218 uninterrupted. Those of skill will appreciate that for a given medium, an acoustic signal loses energy as a function of the distance traveled. Thus, larger distances are associated with greater energy loss, and thus an acoustic signal having propagated through the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and encountered and interacted with the baffle element 1216 will experience a greater energy loss than will the same acoustic signal propagating uninterrupted into and through the inlet port 1220.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the baffle element 1216 is configured to absorb acoustic energy such that upon encountering the baffle element 1216, some of the energy of the acoustic signal is absorbed. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that such absorption is associated with a reduction in energy of the acoustic signal. Thus an acoustic signal having propagated through the acoustic attenuation element 1200 and encountered and interacted with the baffle element 1216 will experience a greater energy loss than will the same acoustic signal propagating uninterrupted into and through the inlet port 1220.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples the baffle element 1216 and/or one or more of the walls, the ceiling 1228, and/or the floor 1230 may include diffusive elements that operate to diffuse, scatter, absorb or otherwise reduce the sound energy as the acoustic signal propagates through the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples the baffle element 1216 can be oriented in such a way so as to optimize destructive interference of the acoustic signal at or near the inlet port 1220. In some such examples, one or more of the walls, the ceiling 1228, the floor 1230, and/or the baffle element 1216 may be configured to case a phase shift in some of the acoustic energy propagating through the chamber 1218 of the acoustic attenuation element 1200. In some examples, multiple baffle elements 1216 of varying spacing and/or orientation and/or material may be utilized to produce such an effect. Additionally or alternatively, the material properties, construction, pitch, spacing, layering, etc. of one or more of the walls, the ceiling 1228, and/or the floor 1230 may configured to optimize destructive interference at the inlet port 1220 and thus reduce the energy of the acoustic signal propagating through the inlet port 1220 and into the combustion chamber 1104 of the firebox 1100.

Thus, as the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust evacuation system 1300 propagates through the chamber 1218 and loses energy, the energy of the acoustic signal eventually broadcast to the room within which the fireplace system 1000 is located is reduced. As mentioned above, it will be appreciated that the energy reduction of the acoustic signal is in excess of the energy reduction expected as a result of the acoustic attenuation expected to naturally occur if the acoustic signal were to simply propagate through conventional ventilation ducting configurations.

That is, as mentioned above, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is configured to increase and maximize the efficiency of the energy loss of acoustic signals associated with powered exhaust evacuation systems as they propagate through the acoustic attenuation element 1200.

In various examples, the fireplace system 1000 may include a plurality of acoustic attenuation elements 1200. In some examples, the acoustic attenuation elements 1200 are arranged in series between the firebox 1100 and the powered exhaust attenuation element 1300. Alternatively, the acoustic attenuation elements 1200 may be arranged in parallel, or a combination of parallel and series.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 may be constructed to include a plurality of chambers. That is, while the acoustic attenuation element 1200 illustrated and described herein includes a chamber 1218 that is bifurcated into first and second regions 1262 and 1264, in some examples, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 includes a plurality of fluidly coupled chambers 1218. In some such examples, one or more of the plurality of fluidly coupled chambers may include one or more baffle elements (such as baffle element 1216) or other acoustic elements (e.g., one or diffusers) in addition to or in lieu of such baffle elements. In various examples, the plurality of chambers are fluidly coupled together and operate, collectively, to reduce the energy of acoustic signals propagating therethrough.

Moreover, while the acoustic attenuation element 1200 of the fireplace system 1000 is illustrated and described herein as reducing the energy of acoustic signals generated by one or more powered exhaust evacuation systems, it should be appreciated that an acoustic attenuation element 1200 can similarly be integrated on an fresh air intake side of the system. That is, in addition to or alternative to positioning an acoustic attenuation element 1200 between the firebox and a powered exhaust evacuation system 1300, in some examples one or more acoustic attenuation elements 1200 are positioned between the firebox and a powered air intake system (not illustrated), in a manner similar to that discussed herein for the exhaust side of the system, as those of skill will appreciate. In such examples, the acoustic attenuation element(s) 1200 operate to reduce the energy of acoustic signals generated by the powered air intake system propagating therethrough to minimize the associated acoustic signal broadcast from the firebox and into the room in which the fireplace system is located during operation.

While the embodiments and examples discussed herein generally relate to reducing the acoustic signals produced by powered exhaust evacuation systems (and/or powered air intake systems), it should be appreciated that the acoustic attenuation element 1200 also operates to reduce the energy of other signals propagating through the acoustic attenuation element. Those of skill will appreciate that the acoustic attenuation element 1200 is generally tuned to effectively and efficiently reduce the energy of acoustic signals having frequencies that fall within a particular frequency range. For example, the acoustic attenuation element 1200 discussed herein is tuned to effectively and efficiently reduce frequencies expected of powered exhaust evacuation systems and/or powered air intake systems. Thus, signals propagating through the acoustic attenuation element not otherwise emanating from a powered exhaust evacuation system or powered air intake system, but having frequencies falling within the effective frequency range of the acoustic attenuation element, will experience energy loss.

In some examples, different acoustic attenuation elements within the fireplace system (or different regions or chambers within a given acoustic attenuation element) are tuned (or are tunable) to different frequency ranges. That is, a first acoustic attenuation element (or a first chamber within a given acoustic attenuation element) is configured to effectively and efficiently reduce acoustic signals having frequencies falling with in a first frequency range, while a second acoustic attenuation element (or a second chamber within a given acoustic attenuation element) is configured to effectively and efficiently reduce acoustic signals having frequencies falling with in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range. In some examples, however, the different frequency ranges may partially overlap. Additionally, while an acoustic attenuation element or a specific chamber within a given acoustic attenuation element is tuned to a particular frequency range, it will be appreciated that acoustic attenuation element or the specific chamber within the acoustic attenuation element will nevertheless generally operate to reduce the energy of acoustic signals propagating therethrough that fall outside of the particular frequency range, though the energy loss may be less efficient or effective in comparison with other acoustic attenuation elements or other chambers within the acoustic attenuation element that are tuned that that frequency.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. Moreover, the inventive scope of the various concepts addressed in this disclosure has been described both generically and with regard to specific examples. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of medical applications but can also be useful in non-medical applications. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size, and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

1. A fireplace system comprising:

a firebox including a combustion chamber configured for combusting a fuel to produce an exhaust;
a first exhaust port;
a second exhaust port;
a powered exhaust component configured to evacuate the exhaust from the combustion chamber, the powered exhaust component producing an acoustic signal during operation;
a sound attenuation element having an interior and being situated between the exhaust component and the combustion chamber such that the exhaust is evacuated from the combustion chamber by being drawn through the interior of the sound attenuation element from the first exhaust port to the second exhaust port; and
a baffle element situated within the interior region of the sound attenuation element such that the baffle element interrupts a direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports, and such that the baffle element reduces the acoustic signal of the powered exhaust component at a hearth of the firebox.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the powered exhaust component generates an acoustic signal having a first sound intensity and wherein the acoustic attenuation element operates to reduce the energy of the acoustic signal such that the acoustic signal has a second, lower sound intensity when broadcast from the combustion chamber of the firebox.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second sound intensity is at least 1 dB lower than the first sound intensity.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second sound intensity is at least 30 dB lower than the first sound intensity.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the firebox includes an open hearth.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sound attenuation element includes a top, a bottom opposite the top, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a back, and a front opposite the back, the combination of which define the interior of the sound attenuation element.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the baffle element includes an aperture.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein an aperture is defined between the baffle element and one or more of the top, bottom, first side, second side, back, and front of the sound attenuation element.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the baffle element extends between the back and the front of the sound attenuation element.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the baffle element extends between the first side and the second side of the sound attenuation element.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein a plane of the first exhaust port is transverse to a plane of the second exhaust port.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein a plane of the first exhaust port is normal to a plane of the second exhaust port.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the baffle element is situated within the interior of the sound attenuation element such that a first portion of the baffle element obstructs the direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports, and such that a first void is defined adjacent the first portion, wherein the first void facilitates evacuation of the exhaust around the baffle element.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first void is offset relative to the direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein a second void is defined adjacent the first portion such that the first portion is situated between the first and second voids, and wherein the first and second voids facilitate evacuation of the exhaust around the baffle element.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second voids are each offset relative to the direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports.

17. An acoustic attenuation apparatus for a firebox including a combustion chamber configured for combusting a fuel to produce an exhaust and a powered exhaust component for evacuating the exhaust from the combustion chamber, the acoustic attenuation apparatus comprising:

a top, a bottom opposite the top, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a back, and a front opposite the back, the combination of which define a chamber;
a first exhaust port;
a second exhaust port; and
an baffle element positioned within the chamber between the first and second exhaust ports, such that the baffle element interrupts a direct flow path between the first and second exhaust ports and such that the baffle element is operable to reduce an acoustic signal of the powered exhaust component in fluid communication with the acoustic attenuation apparatus and a hearth of a firebox.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the hearth of the firebox is an open hearth.

19. A method of reducing an acoustic signal of a powered exhaust component for evacuating an exhaust produced in a combustion chamber of a firebox, the method comprising:

providing a firebox including an exhaust port and a combustion chamber configured for combusting a fuel to produce an exhaust;
providing a powered exhaust component configured to evacuate the exhaust from the combustion chamber, the powered exhaust component producing an acoustic signal during operation;
coupling a sound attenuation element to the firebox such that the sound attenuation element is in fluid communication with the exhaust port of the firebox and the powered exhaust component, and such that the exhaust is evacuated from the combustion chamber by being drawn through an interior of the sound attenuation element from the exhaust port to the powered exhaust component; and
situating a baffle element within the interior region of the sound attenuation element such that the baffle element interrupts a direct flow path between the exhaust port and the powered exhaust component, and such that the baffle element reduces the acoustic signal produced by the powered exhaust component when measured at a hearth of the firebox.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the hearth of the firebox is an open hearth.

Patent History
Publication number: 20190212011
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 9, 2019
Publication Date: Jul 11, 2019
Inventors: Colin McCormick (Mount Pleasant, IA), David Fox (Mount Pleasant, IA), David Tull (Donnellson, IA)
Application Number: 16/243,403
Classifications
International Classification: F24B 1/195 (20060101); F23J 13/06 (20060101); F24B 1/197 (20060101); F24B 1/18 (20060101);