Flame Producing Assembly Fuel Wick Translation Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Flame producing assemblies, such as lighters, suffer from fuel evaporation when not in use, leading to economic loss, earlier refills, and potential hazards in poorly ventilated spaces due to volatile fuels.
Innovation Solution
A flame producing assembly with a translation mechanism that switches the fuel wick between fluid and non-fluid communication positions with the flame wick, and a lid that reduces evaporation by sealing off ambient air when closed, utilizing a flame wick and fuel wick in fluid communication only when needed, and incorporating a flame arrester to prevent flame transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fuel wick remains in fluid communication with the flame wick continuously, then the flame producing assembly is ready for immediate use, but fuel evaporates continuously causing economic loss and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel wick is made movable between two positions: a first position where it is in fluid communication with the flame wick for immediate use, and a second position where it is disconnected to prevent evaporation. The translation mechanism dynamically adjusts the fuel wick's position based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between readiness and fuel conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The wick system is segmented into a flame wick and a fuel wick that can be independently positioned. The fuel wick can be separated from the flame wick through the translation mechanism, allowing the system to disconnect the fuel supply path when not in use, thereby preventing continuous evaporation while maintaining operational capability when needed
2Loss of substance
If the fuel wick is disconnected from the flame wick to prevent evaporation, then fuel is conserved, but the assembly cannot be used immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel wick is pre-positioned in the first position (fluid communication with flame wick) when the assembly is not in use, allowing immediate ignition when needed. The lid closure triggers the translation mechanism to move the fuel wick to the disconnected position, combining immediate readiness with subsequent fuel conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions the fuel wick between connected and disconnected states based on operational status. The quick-action mechanism allows rapid position changes, minimizing the time loss for preparation while maximizing fuel conservation during storage
3Loss of substance
If a lid is added to seal the fuel reservoir, then fuel evaporation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is combined with the translation mechanism so that closing the lid simultaneously triggers the fuel wick to move to the disconnected position. This integration merges the sealing function with the wick positioning function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving both evaporation reduction and operational readiness
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it seals the fuel reservoir to prevent evaporation, and it actuates the translation mechanism to position the fuel wick. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing evaporation prevention
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
Significantly reduces fuel evaporation, prolongs fuel life, minimizes hazardous fumes, and enhances safety by controlling fuel access to the flame wick, thereby reducing the need for frequent refills and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The wick may transport the fuel through pores or tubular structures of small diameter due to capillary action
Implementation Method 2
The fuel may be volatile and hence evaporate when the flame producing assembly is not ignited
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flame producing assembly. The flame producing assembly may comprise a fuel reservoir, a flame wick and a fuel wick in fluid communication with the fuel reservoir. The flame producing assembly may further comprise a translation mechanism, wherein the translation mechanism may be configured to switch the fuel wick between a first position and a second position. Further, the flame wick may be in fluid communication with the fuel wick when the fuel wick is in the first position and not in fluid communication with the fuel wick when the fuel wick is in the second position.