Battery-Powered Air Fire Lighter With Fuel Isolation and Forced Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire lighters for solid fuels are not portable, require external power sources, and lack safety features to isolate gaseous fuels during operation, making them unsuitable for efficient and safe fire starting in various settings.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated, compact air fire lighter with a swiveling handle, an internal fan for airflow, and a mechanism to isolate gaseous fuel vapors once the solid fuel is glowing, allowing for efficient ignition and spread of fire without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional fire lighters are used for solid fuels, then they can ignite the fuel, but they are not portable and require external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel reservoir, fan motor, and ignition system into a single integrated handheld device. The motor that drives the fan is integrated with the ignition mechanism, allowing both functions to be performed by one portable unit without external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own internal battery to power both the fan motor and ignition system. The fan draws ambient air through the device, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex piping systems.
2Productivity
If gaseous fuel is used for ignition, then rapid ignition is achieved, but safety issues arise from isolating fuel from the operating fan
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces gaseous fuel and ignites it before the fan begins operating. The ignition sequence is timed so that the fuel flame is established first, then the fan is activated to draw air through the device, preventing fuel vapor accumulation during fan operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the ignition status and fan operation to ensure proper sequencing. The fan operation is controlled based on feedback from the ignition system, adjusting airflow to maintain safe fuel vapor levels while ensuring complete combustion.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented for portability, then the device becomes portable, but the chamber volume for optimal airflow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a rotating fan mechanism that can adjust its speed and direction to optimize airflow through the compact chamber. The dynamic adjustment of fan parameters compensates for the reduced chamber volume, maintaining effective air circulation and combustion support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs pneumatic principles by using the fan to create pressure differentials that drive air flow through the compact chamber. The airflow path is optimized using fluid dynamics principles to maximize oxygen delivery to the combustion zone within the limited space.
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 provides a safe, portable, and efficient means to start and maintain a solid fuel fire, ensuring optimal airflow for consistent combustion and eliminating the need for external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The fan blows air through a chamber onto the fire, causing the fire to spread throughout the solid fuel
Implementation Method 2
the igniter ignites the gaseous fuel at the collar producing a flame
Implementation Method 3
The fan is battery-operated
Data Source
AI summary
An air fire lighter having fuel, an igniter and a ducted fan for igniting a solid fuel fire. The fuel travels through the fire lighter to a collar at a distal end of the fire lighter, transforming into a vapor that is ignited by an igniter. As the solid fuel begins to glow at the initiation of the fire, the fan is activated, shutting off the vapors from the fuel. The fan blows air through a chamber onto the fire, causing the fire to spread throughout the solid fuel, establishing and spreading the fire through an ignition period. The chamber has a volume and ducting for providing optimal airflow to the fire. The fan is battery-operated. The lighter is lightweight and compact with a swiveling handle that adjusts for optimal placement of the lighter for addressing the solid fuel, folding for portability and storage.