Open Flame Weed Control Containment Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current open flame burners and torches for weed control are inefficient, hazardous, and prone to unwanted smoke and fires, causing environmental concerns and damage to desirable plants.
Innovation Solution
A scalable open flame control system with a containment structure and superstructure design that directs and shapes the flame and hot gases, improving fuel efficiency, reducing off-target impacts, and providing greater control over the flame and thermal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If open flame burners and torches are used for weed control, then weed control capability is achieved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates and unwanted smoke and fires occur
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure segments the flame into controlled zones, directing it through a defined path that maximizes thermal efficiency while minimizing uncontrolled expansion and smoke generation. The segmented approach allows precise control over flame distribution to the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment structure acts as an intermediary between the fuel source and the target area, mediating the flame's path and characteristics. This intermediary component shapes and directs the flame to achieve complete combustion with minimal smoke and maximum energy transfer to weeds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If open flame burners are used without containment structure, then simplicity is maintained, but off-target fire damage occurs to desirable plants
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure provides local quality control by confining the flame's thermal energy to specific spatial zones. This allows the flame to be highly effective at the target location while preventing harmful effects in surrounding areas, creating a localized treatment zone that spares desirable plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment structure adds a spatial dimension control mechanism, transforming the flame from a three-dimensional expanding fire into a directed flow through a defined channel. This dimensional constraint enables precise targeting while eliminating off-target impacts.
3Use of energy by moving object
If larger containment structure is used to improve control, then fuel efficiency improves, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure utilizes thin-walled tubular construction that provides effective flame containment and direction while minimizing material usage and overall device weight. The thin-film approach maintains structural integrity sufficient for flame control without adding excessive mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment structure incorporates porous walls that allow controlled interaction between the flame and surrounding air, enabling efficient combustion with minimal fuel while the porous structure itself uses minimal material to achieve the required containment function.
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 system enhances fuel efficiency, reduces unwanted fires and smoke, and allows for more effective and targeted weed control, making it suitable for both small and large-scale operations while minimizing damage to desirable plants.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular structure having at least partially solid or at least partially porous walls that contain and direct the flame(s) and the flow of hot gases toward the ground
Implementation Method 2
allowing the flame and hot gases to expand in all directions a they exit the tube, thereby maximizing the 'footprint' or impact area
Data Source
AI summary
An open flame control device for weed control. The device includes a substantially cylindrical basket having an open framework including a plurality of substantially equally spaced-apart longitudinal struts attached to a plurality of hoops, struts being inwardly and upwardly bent at the upper end of the basket. A hub is located at the upper end of the basket and is attached to the inwardly and upwardly bent struts. An open flame burner is located within the basket and attached to the hub. A porous metal fabric liner surrounds the inside of the basket and is attached thereto. A metal flame reflector is located at the lower end of the basket and occupies the back side portion of the basket. Means are provided for communicating the open flame burner with a supply of propane. Optionally, means are provided to supply water to the bottom of the basket.