Adjustable Vortex Flame Device with Flow Control Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vortex flame devices face challenges in maintaining a stable swirling flame due to excess air entry and wind disturbances, and lack the ability to adjust the size of the vortex flame, leading to safety issues and unstable combustion.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable vortex flame device featuring a flow guiding mechanism with vanes around the circumference and a spiral air passage, a flow control head with detachable members forming chambers and channels, and a hollow transparent shield to control airflow and flame size, utilizing the Coanda effect for stable airflow and a heat detecting system for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If ports are directly open to air for combustion, then air supply for combustion is sufficient, but excess air enters the chamber and disturbs the flame stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply for combustionVSAvoidflame stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flow control head with adjustable flow control members is introduced as an intermediary device between the ambient air and the combustion chamber. This mediator allows precise regulation of air flow rate into the chamber, ensuring sufficient oxygen supply for combustion while preventing excess air from entering and disturbing the flame stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If ports are open for cooling the base, then base temperature is controlled, but wind disturbances affect the vortex flame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase temperatureVSAvoidwind disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control head serves as a protective intermediary that shields the vortex flame from direct wind exposure while still allowing controlled cooling air flow to the base. The adjustable flow control members regulate the cooling air rate, maintaining base temperature control without exposing the flame to harmful wind disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If fixed configuration is used for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to adjust flame size is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidflame size adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control head incorporates adjustable flow control members that allow dynamic modification of air flow rate and flame characteristics. This dynamic capability enables users to adjust flame size and combustion intensity according to different operational requirements, transforming a static device into an adaptable system without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If no airflow control is provided, then device operation is simple, but excess air creates unstable combustion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcombustion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control head is designed with intuitive adjustable flow control members that allow users to self-regulate air flow rate based on observed flame characteristics. This self-service mechanism enables operation simplicity while maintaining combustion stability, as users can independently adjust the system to achieve optimal performance without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device produces a stable and adjustable vortex flame, preventing excess air entry and wind disturbances, ensuring a smooth and controlled combustion process while maintaining a safe operating temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a flow guiding mechanism including a plurality of vanes (21) disposed around a circumference of the opening (13) one after another, and two adjacent vanes (21) includes a spiral air passage (22) formed therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

utilizing the Coanda effect for stable airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2916070B1Adjustable vortex flame device
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 PRO IRODA INDS
  • EP2916070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2916070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2916070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An adjustable vortex flame device includes a control head (10) delimiting a through hole with an opening and including a flow guiding mechanism (20) including a plurality of vanes and a flow control head inserting in the through hole. The flow control head includes a first member and a second member detachably engaging with each other and delimiting a first chamber and a second chamber connecting to each other. The two channels extend in the first member and to an outer periphery of the flow control head and connect to the first chamber. The flow control head has two flow outlets defined at distal ends of the two channels and a flow inlet defined at a distal end of the second chamber. A hollow and transparent shield (40) is disposed above the control head and delimits a space fluidly connecting to the through hole.