Adjustable Vortex Flame Device with Segmented Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex flame devices struggle to maintain a stable swirling flame due to excess air entry, especially in windy conditions, and lack user-adjustability in flame size, leading to unsafe hot surfaces and uncontrollable flame patterns.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable vortex flame device featuring a control head with a flow guiding mechanism of vanes and a control mechanism that delimits a variable-sized hole, combined with a hollow transparent shield, allowing for user-adjustment of flame size and stabilizing airflow to create a stable, smooth flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 causing unstable flame and sensitivity to wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the function of different ports: some ports (first ports) are dedicated to air supply for combustion, while other ports (second ports) are dedicated to exhaust and cooling. This functional differentiation prevents excess air from entering the combustion chamber through the exhaust ports, thereby stabilizing the flame while maintaining sufficient air supply for combustion through the dedicated first ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ports into two distinct groups: first ports for air supply and second ports for exhaust/cooling. This segmentation allows independent control of air intake and exhaust functions, preventing the mixing of functions that causes instability. The segmentation is implemented structurally by providing separate port openings for each function, allowing optimized airflow patterns that stabilize the vortex flame.
2Reliability
If no air is supplied for combustion, then excess air entry is prevented, but flame extinguishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures sufficient air supply for combustion by providing dedicated first ports that are specifically configured for air intake. These ports are positioned and dimensioned to provide the necessary air flow to the combustion zone without introducing excess air that would destabilize the flame. The local quality of these ports is optimized to balance air supply needs with flame stability requirements.
3Power
If base is heated during combustion, then combustion efficiency is maintained, but top surface of base becomes very hot and not safe to touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from the combustion process by providing separate cooling ports that are distinct from the combustion ports. These cooling ports allow controlled airflow to the base to remove excess heat, preventing the base surface from becoming dangerously hot while maintaining combustion efficiency through the dedicated combustion ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the port functions to separate combustion and cooling operations. By providing dedicated cooling ports, the system can independently control cooling airflow without interfering with combustion air supply. This segmentation allows the base to be cooled effectively while maintaining the thermal conditions necessary for efficient combustion in the combustion zone.
4Speed
If guided air flow enters chamber through ports above bottom of burning flame at perpendicular angle, then swift swirling flame and strong convection are generated, but swirling speed and pattern are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the orientation and function of different ports. The first ports are oriented to provide air flow at specific angles optimized for combustion, while the second ports are oriented for exhaust and cooling. This local differentiation of port orientations allows the system to generate controlled swirling patterns while maintaining ease of operation through predictable airflow patterns.
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 enables user-adjustable flame size and stability, reducing excess air entry and heat hazards, while maintaining a smooth and stable swirling flame pattern even in windy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a flow guiding mechanism including a plurality of vanes and a control mechanism delimiting a hole. The plurality of vanes is disposed along a circumference of the opening one after another, with two adjacent vanes including a spiral air passage formed therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a vortex type gas lamp for producing an upwardly directed vortex flame inside a surrounding and confined boundary of a rotating body of air
Implementation Method 3
All of the combustion of gas substantially occurs inside the interface
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable vortex flame device includes a control head. The control head delimits an opening and includes a flow guiding mechanism including a plurality of vanes and a control mechanism delimiting a hole. The plurality of vanes is disposed along a circumference of the opening one after another, with two adjacent vanes including a spiral air passage formed therebetween. The hole has a diametrical size which varies with respect to different sizes of vortex flames of the adjustable vortex flame device. The hole corresponds to and is in communication with the opening. The hole has a smaller diametrical size than the opening. A hollow and transparent shield is disposed above the control head and adjacent to the control mechanism. The shield delimits a space in communication with the hole of the control mechanism.