Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device that is capable of providing a comprehensive solution for a furnace chimney cleaning by removing dust and debris accumulated in the chimney in accordance with the thickness of the debris as well as informing a concerned repairing team about detected cracks in the chimney, thereby ensuring safe cleaning of the chimney.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Furnace chimneys have been a crucial component of heating systems for centuries, providing a safe and efficient means of venting combustion byproducts. However, the accumulation of debris, soot, and creosote within these chimneys poses a significant threat to their integrity and performance. Failure to properly clean and maintain furnace chimneys can lead to reduced efficiency, increased risk of chimney fires, and even carbon monoxide poisoning.

[0003] Traditional methods of chimney cleaning involve manual scrubbing and sweeping, often requiring specialized equipment and trained professionals. These methods can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially hazardous, with risks including falls, injuries from sharp objects, and exposure to toxic substances. Furthermore, traditional methods may not effectively remove stubborn deposits or detect hidden cracks and damage within the chimney, leading to ongoing maintenance issues and safety risks.

[0004] US4365382A discloses a chimney cleaning system which can be operated from the ground and which does not require the user to climb a ladder to the top of the chimney includes a cleaning head constructed of a number of sections of iron or like material connected together by support members of length appropriate to the particular interior dimensions of the chimney to be cleaned and suspended by a chain or cable from a tubular support member which is adapted to align the cleaning head within the chimney or flue and to provide a guide for the cable to the ground for ready access by the user without the need for pulleys. An anti-down draft cap may be mounted at the end of the tubular support member immediately above the chimney opening to enhance the operation of the chimney system. The anti-down draft cap mounts to a support means on the end of the tubular support member. The tubular support member is mounted to the outside of the chimney by stainless steel bands or the like.

[0005] US4319378A discloses a chimney cleaner of universal application and especially suitable for cleaning heavy wood resin residue is disclosed. An A-frame assembly capable of expansion and contraction to accommodate various chimney sizes is held together by pivot connections. The manual reciprocation of the cleaner by a user through a rod which forms the cross bar of the A-frame produces a longitudinal reciprocation of the A-frame. A right angled brush may be removably mounted on the A-frame along its top and fits into a chimney outwardly from a corner. The legs of the A-frame end in wheels which ride up and down the chimney corner opposite the brush. The chimney cleaner's overall dimensions may be increased or decreased by applying a torque to the rod which, through a threaded connection with a leg, will cause the legs to spread or contract.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many devices that are capable of cleaning furnace chimney, however these existing devices are fails in cleaning the chimney in accordance with the thickness of the accumulated debris, which leads to improper cleaning. In addition, these existing devices are also incapable of maintaining temperature of the chimney for preventing the chimney from overheating and creosote formation.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is need to be capable of thoroughly cleaning the chimney by scrubbing the accumulated dust and debris in the chimney based on the thickness of the debris. Furthermore, the developed device required to be potent enough of preventing damages by monitoring the temperature of the chimney.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing accumulated dust and debris from a furnace chimney by scrubbing the debris based on the thickness of the debris, which results in cleaning the chimney without requiring manual effort.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of decreasing the risk of chimney fires due to poor ventilation by alerting a concerned repairing team about cracks in chimney, thereby ensures that the chimney get repaired.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating chances of creosote formation and overheating of the chimney by maintaining temperature of the chimney, thereby preventing further damage.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device that is capable of delivering a thorough solution for furnace chimney cleaning, by effectively removing dust and debris, adapting to varying thicknesses, while also detecting and reporting cracks to the maintenance team, ensuring a safe and comprehensive cleaning process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device, comprising an elongated vertical rectangular base developed to be place onto a vertical surface of a chimney by means of multiple suction cups, an ultrasonic sensor installed in the member to monitor depth and diameter of the chimney, an elongated member having a curved upper end installed on the base with the help of a sliding unit to translate the member along with the curved end in the chimney, a color sensor installed in the member to monitor locations of deposits at inner surface of the chimney and a confocal sensor installed in the member to monitor thickness of the deposits.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a scrubbing unit arranged with a telescopic link and configured with a motorized expansion pulley at the curved end, which have multiple motorized brushes, a cuboidal box installed with each of the brushes with the help of an L-shaped telescopic bar to collect dust and dirt while scrubbing via a vacuum unit integrated in the box, a temperature sensor mounted in the member, which detects a temperature of the chimney.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device that is capable of offering an effective solution, removing debris, identifying cracks, and facilitating repairs, to guarantee a safe and well-maintained chimney.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device is illustrated, comprising an elongated vertical rectangular base 101 having a plurality of suction cups 102 at a rear surface of the base 101, an elongated member 103 having a curved upper end 104, mounted onto the base 101 by means of a sliding unit 105, a scrubbing unit 106 having a telescopic link 107 configured with a motorized expansion pulley 108 at the curved end 104, plurality of motorized brushes 109 are disposed at an outer periphery of the pulley 108, a cuboidal box 113 attached with each of the brushes 109, by means of L-shaped telescopic bar 110 and a primary nozzle 111 attached with the box 113 by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 112.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of an elongated vertical rectangular base 101, which serves as a main structure of the device and developed to be place onto a vertical surface of a chimney by means of multiple suction cups 102. The suction cups 102 helps the base 101 to get affix with the chimney by generating vacuum pressure. The suction cups 102 are used to create a vacuum seal between the vertical surface and the base 101. When the suction cups 102 are pressed against the vertical surface, the initial contact creates a seal between the cups 102 and the surface, this seals off the area within the suction cups 102. The suction cups 102 are designed to maintain a relatively airtight seal.

[0024] After affixing the base 101 with the chimney, an ultrasonic sensor installed in the member 103 to monitor depth and diameter of the chimney. The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency waves toward the chimney and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the chimney. The sensor is typically oriented in a way that it measures the thickness of the chimney. The ultrasonic sensor collects a significant amount of data by scanning the entire surface of the chimney and forms a 3D point cloud, which represents the shape of the chimney. The ultrasonic sensor sends the data to a microcontroller which processes the acquired data and detects the dimensions and depth of the chimney.

[0025] An elongated member 103 installed on the base 101 with the help of a sliding unit 105, wherein the member 103’s tip portion equipped with a curved upper end 104. Based on the detected dimensions and depth, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 105 to translate the member 103 along with the curved end 104 in the chimney. The sliding unit 105 consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the translation of the member 103 and curved end 104 in the chimney.

[0026] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a color sensor installed in the member 103 to monitor locations of deposits at inner surface of the chimney. The color sensor emits a light, usually a white light into the chimney. The fender reflects the white light, and the color sensor captures the reflected light. The color sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light across different wavelengths to determine the chimney’s color. By comparing the intensity values, the color sensor classifies the color of the chimney. The microcontroller receives data from both the color sensor and processes the data to determine locations of deposits on inner surface of the chimney.

[0027] Based on the detected location of the deposits, the microcontroller actuates a confocal sensor installed in the member 103 to monitor thickness of the deposits. The confocal sensor basically works on the principles of confocal microscopy. It typically consists of a light source, a lens unit and a photo detector. The sensor starts with a light source that emits a focused beam of light and the emitted light passes through a lens unit that converges it into a small, focused spot.

[0028] This spot is directed towards the surface of the deposits being measured. The sensor incorporates a probe, usually a pin hole or a confocal aperture, place in the focal plane. This probe allows only the light from a specific depth to be collected and the focused light interacts with the surface of the deposits. The filtered light is then directed to a photo detector, which measures the intensity of the reflected light. The signal from the photo detector is monitored by the microcontroller for determining the thickness of the deposits.

[0029] A scrubbing unit 106 arranged with a telescopic link 107 and configured with a motorized expansion pulley 108 at the curved end 104. An outer periphery of the pulley 108 having multiple motorized brushes 109. Based on the detected thickness of the deposits, the microcontroller actuates the link 107 to get extend and retract. The telescopic link 107 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the pulley 108. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure.

[0030] The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic link 107. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated link 107 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic link 107 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the piston pushes the telescopic link 107 to the desired length for raising and lowering the pulley 108.

[0031] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the pulley 108 to get expand and compress for moving the brush across the inner surface of the chimney for scrubbing off the deposits for cleaning the chimney. The expandable pulley 108 change its diameter without any physical effort. The expandable pulley 108 consists of two main components, an outer pulley 108 shell and an inner core. The inner core is mounted on a shaft and is capable of moving axially within the outer shell. By changing the position of the inner core relative to the outer shell, the effective diameter is increased/decreased. When the core moves towards the center of the shell, the pulley 108 is retracted and when the core moves away the diameter increases for scrubbing and cleaning of inner surface of the chimney.

[0032] A cuboidal box 113 installed with each of the brushes 109 with the help of an L-shaped telescopic bar 110 to collect dust and dirt while scrubbing via a vacuum unit integrated in the box 113. The vacuum unit arranged with a primary nozzle 111 via an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 112, which results in generating vacuum pressure for pulling debris and dust in the box 113, during scrubbing. The scrubbing action i.e. level of actuation of brushes and vacuum unit is directly proportional to the deposits, i.e. big or small.

[0033] A temperature sensor mounted in the member 103, which detects a temperature of the chimney. The core component of the temperature sensor is the sensing element which may include but is not limited to thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance detectors. The sensing element detects temperature changes on the chimney by altering its electrical properties. As the temperature increases and decreases, the resistance of the sensing element changes accordingly. The microcontroller continuously monitors the data from the temperature sensor and compares the monitored temperature with a threshold temperature. When the monitored temperature of the chimney exceeds or recedes the microcontroller terminates working of the scrubbing to eliminate any chances of damage to the brushes 109 from heat.

[0034] In case the ultrasonic sensor detects any cracks in the chimney, then the ultrasonic sensor send these detected data to microcontroller, which generates a notification on a computing unit to notify a concerned repairing team for taking required action towards the detected cracks. The computing linked with the microcontroller with the help of a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0035] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A furnace chimney cleaning and maintenance device, comprising:

i) an elongated vertical rectangular base 101 having a plurality of suction cups 102 at a rear surface of said base 101 for mounting onto a vertical surface of a chimney;
ii) an elongated member 103, having a curved upper end 104, mounted onto said base 101 by means of a sliding unit 105 for a lifting and lowering of said curve end 104 of said member 103 in said chimney;
iii) a scrubbing unit 106 having a telescopic link 107 configured with a motorized expansion pulley 108 at said curved end 104, wherein a plurality of motorized brushes 109 are disposed at an outer periphery of said pulley 108 for scrubbing and cleaning of inner surface of said chimney;
iv) an ultrasonic sensor embedded in said member 103 detects a depth and diameter of said chimney to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit 105 to translate said member 103, said link 107 to raise and lower said pulley 108 and said pulley 108 to expand to contact said brush with said inner surface of said chimney for scrubbing off deposits; and
v) a cuboidal box 113 attached with each of said brushes 109, by means of L-shaped telescopic bar 110, for collecting debris generated during scrubbing by means of a vacuum unit incorporated on said box 113, wherein a primary nozzle 111 associated with said vacuum unit, attached with said box 113 by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic arm 112.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a color sensor embedded in said member 103, detects locations of deposits on inner surface of said chimney and a confocal sensor embedded in said member 103 to detect thickness of said deposits, to accordingly actuate said scrubbing unit 106 to remove said deposits

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor installed in said member 103 detects a temperature of said chimney to cause said microcontroller to prevent an actuation of said scrubbing unit 106 to prevent a damage to said brushes 109 from heat.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller via the ultrasonic sensor detects any cracks in said chimney, said microcontroller generates a notification over a computing unit to inform a concerned repairing team to take necessary actions about detected cracks.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.