Refillable Fireplace Burner With Shutter Flame Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved large-capacity, refillable, and adjustable burn apparatus for ventless fireplaces that utilize gel or liquid fuel, particularly for applications such as wall-mounted fireplaces, which effectively controls the flame and allows for hands-free operation to enhance safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable burn apparatus featuring an elongate housing with a hinged cover that includes a shutter mechanism for flame control, a hooked tool for hands-free operation, and a secondary containment vessel to prevent spills, utilizing a fuel container that is refillable and provides a long burn time due to its large capacity and narrow flame opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large-capacity fuel container is used to extend burn time, then the burn duration is improved, but the flame control precision deteriorates due to the large opening area
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is divided into multiple adjustable segments or sections that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise adjustment of the flame opening area even in a large-capacity container, enabling fine-tuned flame control while maintaining extended burn time from the large fuel reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation, allowing the user to modify the flame opening area in real-time. This dynamic control compensates for the large opening area inherent in large-capacity containers, providing precise flame regulation throughout the extended burn cycle.
2Ease of operation
If a shutter mechanism is added to control the flame, then the flame control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is integrated with the hinged cover assembly, merging the flame control function with the existing structural components. This combination reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate control mechanisms while maintaining effective flame adjustment capability through the shutter's movement within the cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged cover serves multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, enables access to the fuel container, and incorporates the shutter mechanism for flame control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive flame control capability.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is made hinged for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential improper closing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged cover incorporates a self-latching mechanism that automatically engages when the cover is closed, ensuring proper sealing without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature maintains ease of operation while reliably preventing fuel spills and ensuring containment, as the latch automatically secures the cover in the correct position.
4Reliability
If hands-free operation features are added for safety, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic coupling system serves as an intermediary between the user and the shutter mechanism. The magnetic field enables hands-free operation by allowing the shutter to be controlled through magnetic attraction/repulsion without direct physical contact, enhancing safety while avoiding complex mechanical linkages or electronic controls.
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 provides a safe, convenient, and efficient means of controlling and adjusting the flame in ventless fireplaces, allowing for hands-free operation and extended burn time without the need for frequent refilling, while preventing spills and facilitating easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
fireplaces which burn gel or liquid fuel
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable burn apparatus for a fireplace using a liquid or gel-type fuel. The apparatus includes an elongate housing with an elongate top opening into which an elongate removable fuel container is inserted. The removable fuel container has an elongate open top of a length approximating the length of the elongate housing, and an elongate cover which is hinged to the housing preferably along its long dimension and has an elongate flame opening. The hinged cover itself has a shutter slidably secured at its lower surface that is movable along positions opening, controlling and closing the flame opening.