Electric Charcoal Starter Multi-Layer Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charcoal ignition methods are inefficient, requiring multiple devices or operations to light charcoal and often rely on accelerants that are costly and produce undesirable odors or flavors, with charcoal needing to be transferred from a separate ignition location to the cooking site.
Innovation Solution
An electric charcoal starter with a multi-layer heating element that reaches high temperatures to catalyze combustion, allowing simultaneous ignition of multiple areas of a charcoal pile, reducing ignition time and eliminating the need for accelerants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional charcoal ignition methods are used, then charcoal can be ignited, but multiple devices or operations are required and accelerants are needed, increasing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ignition functions into a single integrated device. The electric starter unit integrates the heating element, power source, and ignition mechanism into one unified device that can ignite charcoal without requiring separate accelerants or multiple tools, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electric starter is designed to be self-contained with an internal power source (battery or power adapter) that provides all necessary energy for ignition. The device serves itself by generating the required heat through its own heating element without needing external accelerants or additional equipment, simplifying the overall ignition system
2Productivity
If accelerants are used to ignite charcoal, then ignition speed is improved, but undesirable odors and flavors are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical ignition methods (accelerants) with an electrical/thermal system. The heating element generates heat electrically to ignite the charcoal, substituting the chemical combustion of accelerants with an controlled thermal process that produces no harmful odors or flavors, while maintaining fast ignition speed
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element provides intense localized heat that accelerates the oxidation process of charcoal ignition without requiring chemical accelerants. The high temperature generated by the heating element speeds up the combustion reaction directly, achieving fast ignition through thermal energy rather than chemical additives
3Reliability
If charcoal is ignited in a separate location and then transferred, then ignition can be controlled, but time is lost during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The electric starter is designed as a portable unit that combines the ignition source with the capability to be placed directly at the charcoal location. This integration eliminates the need for separate ignition and transfer operations, allowing the user to bring the controlled ignition source directly to where the charcoal needs to be lit, saving time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be dynamically positioned - it can be carried to the desired location and placed directly among the charcoal. This dynamic capability allows the ignition source to move with the user to the optimal position, eliminating static separation between ignition control and charcoal location, thereby reducing transfer time while maintaining ignition control
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 electric charcoal starter efficiently ignites a full charcoal pile in under 7 minutes, providing faster and more convenient ignition without the use of accelerants, ensuring consistent heat distribution and minimizing odor and flavor issues.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element is metal that will heat above 650 degrees Celsius (e.g., up to 700 degrees Celsius) when connected to mains electricity (e.g., a 120-volt power source at 50/60 hertz)
Implementation Method 2
simultaneous ignition of multiple areas of a charcoal pile
Implementation Method 3
catalyze combustion, allowing simultaneous ignition of multiple areas of a charcoal pile
Data Source
AI summary
An electric starter is disclosed, for lighting solid fuel such as charcoal or wood. The lighter includes a handle and a heating element coupled to the handle. The heating element may include multiple ignition layers vertically spaced apart.