Fire under glass display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire displays are limited to being above ground, lacking innovative visual effects and new variables to enhance their visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
A fire display system where a fire cloud travels along a metal tray beneath a transparent floor or panel, with flammable gas injection and ignition, allowing the fire to combust and create a visual effect that can be extended and enhanced with oxygen or flammable gas supply, and featuring a cooling system to manage heat and residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fire is displayed above ground using conventional methods, then the display is simple to implement, but the visual appeal and innovation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fire display transitions from conventional above-ground positioning to a below-floor dimension, with fire traveling through a tray system beneath a transparent floor panel. This dimensional change creates novel visual effects where observers walk on or view through the transparent surface while fire moves underneath, fundamentally transforming the spatial relationship between observer and display.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire display system embeds multiple functional components within a compact below-floor structure: the metal tray containing fire, gas manifolds for fuel and oxygen supply, cooling manifolds with water channels, and transparent floor panels all nest together in an integrated assembly that fits within or beneath the floor structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent floor panel is used to allow viewing of fire beneath, then visual appeal is enhanced, but the panel may overheat and become unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling manifold system acts as an intermediary between the fire source and the transparent floor panel. Water channels within the manifold absorb heat from the fire cloud below, preventing thermal transmission to the panel while allowing visual observation to continue unimpeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor as it absorbs heat from the fire cloud and the transparent panel. This phase change efficiently removes thermal energy, preventing the panel from reaching dangerous temperatures while maintaining viewing capability.
3Length of stationary object
If fire cloud travels the full length of the tray, then the visual display is extended, but oxygen depletion limits combustion distance
Solution Approach 1:
Oxygen is pre-positioned along the fire travel path through a distributed manifold system with multiple outlets. As the fire cloud progresses through the tray, oxygen is delivered at predetermined locations and timing to sustain combustion throughout the entire length of the display path.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas manifold system uses pneumatic principles to deliver oxygen through controlled flow along the tray length. The system regulates gas pressure and flow distribution to ensure adequate oxygen supply reaches the fire cloud at each stage of its journey through the display area.
4Strength
If the transparent floor panel is made durable to withstand foot traffic, then safety and usability are improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent floor panel utilizes composite construction combining transparent materials with integrated cooling channels. The panel structure incorporates water-cooled manifolds within or behind the transparent surface, creating a composite system that maintains structural strength for foot traffic while providing active thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling manifold system serves as an intermediary thermal management layer between the fire source and the load-bearing transparent panel. This intermediary structure absorbs and removes heat before it reaches the panel, allowing the panel to maintain its mechanical strength and durability for supporting foot traffic.
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
Provides a unique and engaging visual effect by allowing fire to travel beneath a transparent surface, enhancing visual appeal and allowing for integration with other display elements, while ensuring safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Flammable gas may generally be injected into the front end of the tray and be ignited by a pilot light to create a fire cloud that may then continue to travel the length of the tray
Implementation Method 2
the tray may include a cooling manifold that may spray water onto the underneath side of the top plate to keep it cool and from overheating
Data Source
AI summary
A fire display that may reside under a viewing window or panel. The display may include a tray or channel along which a fire ball or fire wave may travel. The display includes a gas delivery system.