Transparent Flame Barrier with Electrostatic Soot Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current entertainment venues, such as theme parks, struggle to create a heightened sense of surprise and apprehension for guests due to the limited effect of simulated flames at close distances, as real flames pose safety risks and are often not directed towards guests, reducing the perceived danger and thrill.
Innovation Solution
A transparent barrier made of glass or plastic with a thermal-resistant coating and soot removal system, allowing a larger flame to be directed closer to guests while maintaining visibility and safety, using materials like glass-ceramics, borosilicate glass, and high-temperature plastics, and electrostatic charging to prevent soot buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a real flame is used to create surprise and apprehension, then the entertainment effect is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent barrier is introduced as an intermediary between the flame and the guest. The barrier allows the flame to be positioned close to the guest for maximum entertainment effect while physically preventing direct contact and thermal injury. The barrier acts as a mediator that transmits the visual spectacle of the flame while blocking the harmful thermal and combustion effects.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flame is directed closer to guests to increase perceived danger, then the entertainment value is improved, but the risk of thermal injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent barrier serves as a protective intermediary that enables the flame to be positioned at close distance (within arm's length) while preventing thermal injury. The barrier allows the flame to create the perceived danger effect without actually exposing guests to harmful thermal radiation or heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier material is selected to maintain transparency or visual clarity even when exposed to the flame's thermal radiation. This allows guests to see the flame clearly at close distance, maintaining the visual spectacle and perceived danger while the barrier physically blocks thermal injury.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a transparent barrier is used to allow close flame proximity, then safety is improved, but soot buildup on the barrier reduces visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system incorporates self-cleaning capabilities through electrostatic charging that automatically prevents soot accumulation. The electrostatic field generated by the barrier material repels soot particles, preventing them from adhering to the barrier surface. This self-service mechanism maintains continuous transparency without requiring manual cleaning intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier material's surface properties are modified through electrostatic charging to change the parameters of soot adhesion. By creating an electrostatic field, the surface energy and charge distribution are altered to repel soot particles, preventing buildup and maintaining optical clarity throughout the entertainment experience.
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 effectively increases the perceived danger and thrill by allowing larger, closer flames while ensuring guest safety through a transparent, flame-resistant barrier that withstands repeated blasts and maintains clarity, enhancing the entertainment experience.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier comprises a sheet comprising at least one of glass and plastic, and a coating located on a surface of the sheet, the coating comprising a liquid resin
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic charging to prevent soot buildup
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.