Charcoal Igniter with Bottom Release Grate for Safe Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charcoal igniters lack a removable/releasable bottom grate system, making it difficult and unsafe to discharge ignited charcoal without excessive handling, and they do not efficiently distribute airflow for complete charcoal ignition.

Innovation Solution

A charcoal igniter with a venturi effect and a removable/releasable bottom grate system, featuring upper airflow pipes that act as handles and enhance combustion efficiency by providing airflow throughout the charcoal, allowing for easy disposal of ignited charcoal and improved ignition capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed grate is used in the charcoal igniter, then the structure is simple and stable, but the ignited charcoal cannot be easily discharged without excessive handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of charcoal dischargeVSAvoidgrate system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be raised or lowered to control charcoal discharge. This dynamic mechanism enables easy charcoal transfer without requiring the user to handle the entire igniter, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The grate system is segmented into a movable component that can be independently controlled. By separating the grate from the igniter body, the design allows for selective discharge of charcoal while maintaining the stability of the main structure, addressing both ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If airflow holes are provided only at the bottom, then the structure is simple, but the charcoal ignition is incomplete and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition efficiencyVSAvoidairflow system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Airflow holes are distributed at multiple locations (bottom, middle, and top) rather than concentrated in one area. This local quality variation ensures complete airflow penetration through the charcoal, improving ignition efficiency without requiring a complex centralized airflow system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow system transitions from a single-plane (bottom-only) configuration to a multi-dimensional distribution pattern. By adding airflow holes at different heights and positions, the system achieves thorough charcoal penetration and complete ignition while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the charcoal igniter is held and tipped to dump charcoal, then no additional components are needed, but the operation is unsafe and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharcoal discharge convenienceVSAvoidsafety hazards from hot charcoal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable grate acts as an intermediary mechanism between the charcoal igniter and the charcoal itself. By raising or lowering the grate, users can control charcoal discharge without directly handling the hot igniter, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual tipping and handling mechanism is replaced with a controlled grate elevation system. This mechanical substitution allows for precise charcoal discharge control and eliminates the need for users to physically manipulate the hot igniter, resolving both safety and convenience issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables safe and efficient discharge of ignited charcoal without handling the igniter, ensures complete charcoal ignition, and offers improved durability, portability, and reduced cost, with enhanced ease of use and charcoal ignition performance.

Implementation Method 1

A charcoal igniter with a venturi effect and a removable/releasable bottom grate system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11229321B2Charcoal igniter with bottom release grate

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 LANTZ ARON J

AI summary

A charcoal igniter and food cooker, including an upper section such that the upper section includes a first conical section having a distal end and a proximal end such that the proximal end of the first conical section includes a first conical section opening, a fire chamber having a distal end and a proximal end such that a releasable grate is located adjacent to the distal end of the fire chamber and the distal end of the first conical section is located adjacent to the proximal end of the fire chamber, wherein an amount of charcoal to be ignited is located within the fire chamber and adjacent to the releasable grate; and a stationary lower section such that the upper section is retained within the stationary lower section, wherein the stationary lower section includes a second conical section having a distal end and a proximal end such that the proximal end of the second conical section is located adjacent to the upper section and the distal end of the second conical section includes a second conical section opening, wherein the first and second conical openings have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the fire chamber.