A fire starter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for starting a fire, such as in wood burning stoves or open fires, often result in inefficient combustion leading to excessive smoke and creosote buildup, posing energy wastage and air pollution hazards.
Innovation Solution
A stack of combustible fuel elements and a flammable ignition element are arranged within a combustible container with strategically located apertures to facilitate efficient ignition and air flow, promoting a 'top-down' combustion method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional fire lighting methods are used, then fire can be lit, but excessive smoke and creosote buildup occur leading to energy wastage and air pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the fuel elements, ignition element, and air supply system in a ready-to-use configuration before fire lighting. The fuel elements are stacked in a specific arrangement with air channels pre-formed, and the ignition element is positioned to ensure optimal combustion from the start, preventing smoke and creosote formation before they can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements strong oxidants by providing a controlled supply of air through pre-formed channels within the fuel element stack. This ensures adequate oxygen availability for complete combustion, accelerating the oxidation process and preventing incomplete combustion that leads to smoke and creosote buildup
2Productivity
If conventional fire lighting methods are used, then fire can be lit, but the process is time-consuming and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the fuel elements, ignition element, and air supply system in a ready-to-use configuration before fire lighting. The fuel elements are stacked in a specific arrangement with air channels pre-formed, and the ignition element is positioned to ensure optimal combustion from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fuel into multiple smaller elements stacked in a specific configuration. This segmentation increases the surface area to volume ratio, allowing faster and more uniform ignition and combustion, thereby improving productivity and reducing the time required to establish an efficient fire
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 approach ensures quick, safe, and efficient fire starting with minimal smoke and soot, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a flammable ignition element located in a combustible container configured to provide at least one aperture for igniting the flammable ignition element located therein
Implementation Method 2
the container is configured to provide at least one aperture for igniting the flammable ignition element located therein
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus for starting a fire, comprising a stack of combustible fuel elements (340,350,460,462,464) and a flammable ignition element (450) located in a combustible container (200) configured to provide at least one aperture (202) for igniting the flammable ignition element located therein. A kit of parts and a method of assembling the kit are also provided.