Fire starter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for starting a fire, such as in wood burning stoves or campfires, often result in inefficient combustion, leading to excessive smoke and creosote buildup, which wastes energy and poses a fire hazard.
Innovation Solution
A stack of combustible fuel elements and a flammable ignition element are arranged within a combustible container with strategically located apertures to facilitate efficient ignition and air flow, promoting a 'top-down' combustion method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fire lighting methods are used, then fire can be started, but combustion is inefficient producing excessive smoke and creosote
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-arranges fuel elements in a specific stacked configuration within the container before use. The fuel elements are positioned in layers with air gaps predetermined to optimize combustion patterns, eliminating the need for users to manually arrange fuel during fire starting. This preliminary structuring ensures efficient top-down combustion that minimizes smoke and creosote production.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel is divided into multiple segmented layers within the container, with each layer consisting of stacked fuel elements arranged in specific patterns. The segmentation creates controlled air channels between layers, allowing progressive combustion from top to bottom. This segmented structure improves combustion efficiency by ensuring adequate oxygen supply to each fuel layer while maintaining controlled burning that reduces harmful emissions.
2Ease of operation
If users manually arrange kindling and fuel, then fire can be lit, but the process is complex and difficult for many people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container, fuel elements, and structural support components into a single integrated fire starting apparatus. The fuel elements are pre-loaded and pre-arranged within the container in optimal combustion configurations, merging multiple functions (containment, fuel storage, structural arrangement) into one unified device that users simply need to ignite without complex assembly or arrangement steps.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If proper combustion is achieved, then smoke is minimized, but air flow control becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates strategically positioned apertures at specific locations (base, sides, and/or lid) to create localized air intake and exhaust zones. The base aperture provides primary air supply to the lower fuel layers, while side and lid apertures facilitate smoke evacuation and secondary air intake. This localized aperture placement optimizes combustion efficiency and minimizes smoke without requiring complex active air flow control systems.
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
This approach enables quick, safe, and efficient fire starting with minimal smoke and soot, maximizing combustion efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a flammable ignition element located in a combustible container configured to provide at least one aperture for igniting the flammable ignition element
Implementation Method 2
at least one aperture for igniting the flammable ignition element... promoting a 'top-down' combustion method
Implementation Method 3
efficient ignition and air flow, promoting a 'top-down' combustion method
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatus for starting a fire, comprising a stack of combustible fuel elements (340,350,460,462,464) and a flammable ignition element (450) located in a combustible container (200) configured to provide at least one aperture (202) for igniting the flammable ignition element located therein. A kit of parts and a method of assembling the kit are also provided.