Flame-Resistant Wick With Interlaced Wire Strands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wicks, such as cotton and fiberglass, are prone to loosening, carbonization, and incomplete combustion, leading to inefficiencies and safety issues in fuel-based lamp devices, with fiberglass wicks being expensive and harmful to health.
Innovation Solution
A flame-resistant wick with a hollow chamber and interlaced capillary structures made of wire strands with a melting point of at least 800°C, such as copper, stainless steel, or carbon fiber, allowing for flexibility and adjustable flame control without the need for frequent trimming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cotton wick is used, then fuel wicking is achieved through capillary action, but the wick loosens at terminal end and requires frequent trimming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cotton yarn (for fuel wicking) with fiberglass yarn (for structural stability and flame resistance) to create a composite wick. The cotton core provides capillary action for fuel transport, while the fiberglass outer layer prevents loosening and maintains structural integrity during combustion, eliminating the need for frequent trimming.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the wick have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The inner core uses cotton for optimal fuel wicking, while the outer layer uses fiberglass for structural stability and flame resistance. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between maintaining wick integrity and enabling fuel transport.
2Reliability
If fiberglass wick is used, then flame resistance is improved, but the wick is expensive and harmful to health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiberglass as an intermediary material that provides flame resistance and structural stability without direct user contact. The fiberglass is enclosed within the wick structure, serving as a protective layer that prevents loose fibers from becoming airborne and causing health issues, while still delivering the desired flame-resistant properties.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a composite structure with fiberglass as the outer protective layer and cotton as the inner fuel-wicking core, the patent delivers flame resistance while minimizing health hazards. The composite design ensures fiberglass remains contained and does not become loose, reducing inhalation risks while maintaining reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high flash point fuel is used, then fuel safety is improved, but incomplete combustion produces soot and toxic fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the wick's physical parameters (material composition, structure, and dimensions) to optimize fuel vaporization and combustion efficiency. The composite cotton-fiberglass structure and hollow chamber design enhance fuel transport and vaporization, ensuring complete combustion of high flash point fuels, thereby reducing soot and toxic fume production while maintaining safety.
4Ease of operation
If wick is trimmed to maintain combustion scale, then flame control is achieved, but the wick becomes unconnected with fuel requiring replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The fiberglass-cotton composite structure allows the wick to be cut to desired length without fraying or loosening. The fiberglass outer layer acts as a protective casing that maintains structural integrity after trimming, enabling users to adjust flame control by cutting the wick while ensuring the trimmed end remains connected to the fuel source and does not require replacement.
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 wick maintains its shape and combustion efficiency, reduces carbonization, and is safer and more cost-effective, with adjustable flame height and scale without the risks associated with fiberglass.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary structure (20) surrounding the hollow chamber (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A flame-resistant wick includes a hollow chamber and at least one capillary structure surrounding the hollow chamber. The at least one capillary structure is interlaced by a plurality of wire strands into a tubular shape. Each of the plurality of wire strands consists of a plurality of core wires made of a material having a melting point of not less than 800° C.