Charcoal starter with a consumable fire ignition system and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charcoal starters require repetitive insertions of flammable materials for ignition, pose safety risks due to high temperatures and potential toxic substance transfer, and often fail to maintain sufficient heat for efficient charcoal ignition.
Innovation Solution
A charcoal starter with a housing, thermally resistant handle, and a flammable support that provides adequate airflow for uniform ignition, using a non-toxic combustible material that stays ignited long enough to ensure efficient charcoal ignition, and allows safe transfer of hot coals to a barbecue unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional charcoal starters use flammable materials like newspaper for ignition, then the charcoal can be ignited, but repetitive insertions are required and toxic substances may transfer to food
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable lighter contained within the charcoal starter device. This lighter is designed to be consumed during the ignition process and then discarded, eliminating the need for repetitive insertion of flammable materials like newspaper. The disposable nature ensures consistent ignition performance while simplifying the user operation to a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The charcoal starter device is designed to be self-contained with an integrated lighter mechanism that automatically ignites the charcoal when activated. The device performs the ignition function without requiring external flammable materials or repeated user interventions, making the system self-sufficient and operationally simple.
2Temperature
If flammable material is placed at the bottom of the starter, then ignition can occur, but the temperature may exceed safe limits causing burn injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally resistant handle as an intermediary between the user and the hot charcoal starter. This handle is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures while providing a safe gripping surface, allowing users to handle the device during and after ignition without suffering burn injuries. The handle acts as a thermal barrier that mediates the interaction between the hot device and the user's hand.
3Ease of operation
If charcoal is transferred by pouring from the starter, then the charcoal can be moved to the barbecue unit, but hot ashes may splash and cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic release mechanism where the charcoal is held in place during ignition and then released in a controlled manner. The device transitions from a closed containment state during heating to an open release state during transfer, allowing the charcoal to be dumped into the barbecue unit in a controlled fashion that minimizes splashing of hot ashes while maintaining ease of transfer operation.
4Duration of action of moving object
If combustible material is used for ignition, then the charcoal can be lit, but the material may not sustain ignition long enough for efficient charcoal ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a lighter with controlled combustion parameters that are optimized to sustain ignition long enough to reliably light the charcoal. The lighter's fuel composition and burning characteristics are specifically designed to maintain adequate temperature and duration for complete charcoal ignition, overcoming the limitation of conventional flammable materials that may burn out too quickly.
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 eliminates the need for repetitive material insertion, ensures safe and efficient charcoal ignition, and provides a safe method for transferring hot coals, while being economical and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a flammable support 310... The flammable support is ignited utilizing any suitable igniting means. The ignition of the flammable support generates heat, which facilitates a rapid and uniform ignition of the fuel source inside the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The thermally resistant handle is attached to the outer lateral surface... ensures safe transfer of hot coals to a barbecue unit
Implementation Method 3
The bottom portion includes a plurality of first vent holes and the middle portion includes a plurality of second vent holes... provides adequate airflow for uniform ignition
Data Source
AI summary
A method for igniting a fuel source utilizing a fuel ignition system, the method comprising the steps of providing a housing having an outer lateral surface, an inner lateral surface, a top opening and a bottom opening, and a plurality of vent holes and a plurality of stops on a bottom portion of the housing; positioning a flammable support over the plurality of stops through the top opening of the housing; adding the fuel source on the flammable support through the top opening; igniting the flammable support utilizing an igniting means; facilitating a rapid and uniform ignition of the fuel source utilizing the heat generated during the ignition of the flammable support inside the housing; and wherein the flammable support is the only flammable component of the system.