Adjustable Fire-Starting Tool with Ferrocerium Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-starting tools, such as matches and lighters, are inadequate in windy or rainy conditions and can be unreliable due to moisture exposure, and alternative methods like flint and steel or magnesium alloys are cumbersome and prone to loss or damage.

Innovation Solution

A specially configured fire-starting tool with an adjustable and ignitable implement in communication with a ferrocerium rod holder and a striker, allowing for precise manipulation of the flame, featuring a pyrophoric rod and a holder with a flammable agent, enabling reliable ignition in adverse weather.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If matches are used for fire-starting, then the device is simple and easy to use, but it becomes useless when wet and insufficient in high-wind or rainy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidreliability in adverse weather

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ferrocerium rod as an intermediary substance that generates sparks when struck by the striker. This mediator enables ignition without requiring flame contact or chemical reactions sensitive to moisture, thereby maintaining reliability in wet and windy conditions while preserving ease of operation through the simple strike motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the ignition parameter from chemical combustion (matches) to mechanical spark generation (ferrocerium rod). This parameter change allows ignition to occur through physical striking rather than chemical reaction, making the fire-starting process immune to moisture and wind interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If flint stone and steel are used for fire-starting, then the device can work without fuel reservoir, but the components are easily broken or lost and require separate carrying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel independenceVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ferrocerium rod, striker, and ignitable implement into a single integrated fire-starting tool. This combination prevents loss and damage of individual components while maintaining the fuel-independent advantage, as all essential elements are unified in one durable device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses ferrocerium, a composite material combining ferrosilicon and cerium, which provides both the durability needed to withstand repeated striking and the pyrophoric properties required for spark generation. This composite material resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnesium alloy shavings and pyrophoric implement are used, then ignition can occur without external fuel, but the device produces dazzling white flame and high temperatures that are difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-ignition capabilityVSAvoiduncontrolled high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable ignitable implement that can be dynamically positioned relative to the ferrocerium rod. This dynamic adjustment allows the user to control the distance between the spark source and ignitable material, thereby managing the intensity and spread of the flame to prevent uncontrolled high temperatures while maintaining self-ignition capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ignitable implement is prepared in advance and positioned in the holder, ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation ensures that when sparks are generated, the ignitable material is already in the optimal position, allowing controlled ignition without the need for precise real-time adjustments during the critical moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 tool provides a durable, versatile, and lightweight solution for igniting fires in windy or rainy conditions by producing high-temperature sparks and maintaining a stable flame position, ensuring effective fire-starting regardless of environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

the rod includes a pyrophoric rod including ferrocerium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrophoricity: Pyrophoricity

Implementation Method 2

Pyrophoric materials are substances that ignite instantly upon exposure to oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11566788B2Fire-starting tool and associated method(s)

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 ISBELL JAMES

AI summary

A fire-starting tool includes a striker, a holder, a rod supported by the holder, and an ignitable implement disposed adjacent to the rod and being selectively supported by the holder. The ignitable implement is configured to be slidably displaced along a longitudinal length of the holder. The striker is configured to be engaged with the rod in such a manner that the ignitable implement is lit on fire and selectively adjusted relative to a position of the holder.