Charcoal Ignition Torch Head With Angled Flame Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for igniting charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal in grills, such as lighter fluid, starter logs, and electric lighters, are either inefficient, messy, or impart harmful fumes to food, and current gas-fired ignition devices are cumbersome and dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A torch system with a wand and torch head that uses a pressurized flow of gaseous fuel, ignited by an integral spark, to produce flame jets directed at an acute angle, allowing for efficient and controlled ignition of charcoal, with interchangeable flame directors for different ignition patterns and a holster for storage and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If lighter fluid is used to ignite charcoal, then ignition speed is improved, but harmful fumes are generated that contaminate food
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful lighter fluid substance from the ignition process, replacing it with a mechanical torch system that uses controlled combustion of charcoal itself or safe alternative fuels, thereby removing the source of harmful fumes while maintaining rapid ignition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The torch system acts as an intermediary device between the user and the charcoal, providing controlled ignition through a focused flame that heats the charcoal directly without introducing contaminating chemicals, thus mediating the ignition process to avoid harmful fume generation
2Reliability
If pre-packaged starter logs infused with chemicals are used, then ignition reliability is improved, but harmful fumes and poor taste are imparted to food
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the chemical infusions from the ignition process by using a pure torch flame that combusts clean fuels or the charcoal itself, extracting the harmful chemical components from the starter material while maintaining reliable ignition through concentrated thermal energy
Solution Approach 2:
The torch system uses disposable or easily replaceable fuel sources that burn cleanly and completely, eliminating the need for chemically treated reusable starters that generate harmful fumes, accepting short-lived fuel cartridges as a trade-off for clean combustion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electric starters are used, then safety is improved by eliminating open fuel storage, but ignition speed deteriorates and device complexity increases due to cords and outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The torch system uses pressurized gas fuel storage and delivery mechanisms to enable rapid ignition without electrical cords, using pneumatic pressure to fuel the torch head quickly and sustain high-temperature combustion for fast charcoal lighting while maintaining portability and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition system is segmented into separate functional components: a safe fuel storage container, a flexible hose, and a handheld torch head, allowing the dangerous fuel storage to be separated from the ignition point while maintaining rapid response capability through the flexible connection
4Ease of manufacture
If newspaper is used to ignite charcoal, then cost is reduced, but efficiency deteriorates and the process becomes messy
Solution Approach 1:
The torch system uses inexpensive disposable fuel cartridges or canisters that burn efficiently and completely, replacing messy newspaper with a controlled combustion source that is equally economical but significantly more efficient and clean in operation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual process of preparing and lighting newspaper is replaced by a mechanical torch system that delivers consistent, controlled flames through a nozzle, eliminating the inefficiency and mess of manual paper ignition while maintaining low cost through simple mechanical design
5Productivity
If conventional gas-fired ignition devices with nozzles are used, then ignition capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torch head is designed as a universal ignition tool that can light various types of charcoal and fuel sources through a single standardized interface, eliminating the need for different nozzle configurations for different fuel types and simplifying user operation through consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The torch system incorporates flexible positioning and adjustable flame direction, allowing the user to dynamically adapt the ignition approach to different fuel arrangements and grill configurations, making the device easier to use across various scenarios
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 torch system provides a safe, efficient, and mess-free method for igniting charcoal, ensuring quick and even ignition while minimizing the risk of harmful fumes, and is designed for ease of use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
when a pressurized flow of a gaseous torch fuel is supplied to the jet channels through the fuel supply chamber and ignited
Implementation Method 2
each jet channel directs a respective flame jet forwardly and radially outwardly from the outer surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A torch assembly for igniting a target fuel includes a torch including an elongate wand having a handle end and an opposing forward end, and a torch head located on the forward end of the wand. The torch head has a central axis. The torch head includes an outer surface, a fuel supply chamber, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart jet channels fluidly connecting the fuel supply chamber to the outer surface. Each jet channel is configured such that, when a pressurized flow of a gaseous torch fuel is supplied to the jet channels through the fuel supply chamber and ignited, each jet channel directs a respective flame jet forwardly and radially outwardly from the outer surface at an acute angle to the central axis.