Indoor-Outdoor Fireplace Shutter Layout for Short-Stroke Flame Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor-outdoor fireplaces with shutter mechanisms for gel or liquid fuel often require a large shutter stroke to control a visually-large flame, posing safety risks as users must place their hands close to the flame to operate the shutters, and are prone to jamming.
Innovation Solution
The design features a pair of elongate fuel containers with a shutter carrier and frame that allows for full control of a broad flame field with a short shutter stroke, keeping the handle away from the flame and incorporating a stiffener feature to prevent binding, enabling safe and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large shutter stroke is used to control a visually-large flame, then full control of the flame region is achieved, but the user must place their hand close to the flame which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is repositioned from a horizontal sliding motion near the flame to a vertical lifting motion at the rear of the fireplace. This dimensional change allows the user to operate the shutter from a safe distance while still achieving full control of the flame region through the vertical movement of the shutter carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
A vertical rod connects the handle at the rear of the fireplace to the shutter carrier near the flame. This intermediary mechanical linkage transmits the user's pulling motion from a safe distance to the shutter mechanism, eliminating the need for direct hand proximity to the flame while maintaining full shutter control.
2Ease of operation
If the shutter-control handle is positioned close to the flame for better control, then shutter operation is improved, but the user's hand is too close to the flame region
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical rod acts as a mechanical intermediary that transmits force from the handle positioned at the rear of the fireplace to the shutter carrier. This allows the user to operate the shutter from a safe distance while maintaining effective control through the leveraged mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is relocated from the front horizontal plane near the flame to the rear vertical dimension. The handle is positioned at the rear of the fireplace, allowing users to operate it from a safe distance while the vertical rod transmits this motion to the shutter mechanism.
3Area of stationary object
If a long shutter stroke is used to cover a broad flame field, then full flame coverage is achieved, but the shutter apparatus is prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism transitions from horizontal sliding motion to vertical lifting motion. This vertical orientation reduces friction and binding issues associated with long horizontal strokes, improving reliability while still achieving full coverage of the broad flame field through the vertical travel of the shutter carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter carrier is designed to move vertically along guide rails or slots, providing a dynamic range of motion that covers the entire flame field. This vertical dynamic movement reduces mechanical binding compared to horizontal sliding, improving operational reliability while maintaining full flame coverage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the handle is positioned far from the fireplace body to avoid flame proximity, then safety is improved, but the handle is not conveniently located for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned at the rear of the fireplace in the vertical dimension, making it accessible from the back rather than the front. This repositioning allows users to operate the shutter from a safe distance from the flame while maintaining convenient access through the rear placement of the control mechanism.
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 configuration provides safe and efficient control of a visually-large flame area with a short shutter stroke, reducing the risk of burns and jamming, while maintaining the shutter-control handle close to the body of the fireplace.
Implementation Method 1
fireplaces which burn gel or liquid fuel
Implementation Method 2
shutter plates are secured in spaced positions to cover the elongate fuel containers
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor-outdoor fireplace apparatus including having a base unit which supports a pair of spaced elongate containers for a fuel of the liquid or gel type. In key embodiments, the two elongate fuel containers each have a short horizontal dimension. A shutter carrier slidably rests on the base-unit top and includes a frame to which a pair of elongate shutter plates are secured in spaced positions to cover the elongate fuel containers, such arrangement providing a visually-broad flame field with full on-and-off and adjustment control with a short shutter stroke.