Portable Flamethrower Self-Pressurizing Trigger Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flamethrowers are not portable and lack operational safety and user convenience, with manual gas pumping being time-consuming and unreliable, and previous solutions like radio frequency ignition systems are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A portable flamethrower design featuring an externally powered fuel pump, electronic control system, and rechargeable battery to power the ignition and fuel systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation with interchangeable components and safety features to prevent accidental ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pumping is used to pressurize the fuel tank, then the flamethrower can be portable, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires work input
Solution Approach 1:
The flamethrower system pressurizes itself automatically when the trigger is pulled. The pump is mechanically coupled to the trigger mechanism, so that pulling the trigger both activates the solenoid valve to release fuel and simultaneously drives the pump to pressurize the tank. This eliminates the need for separate manual pumping operations and allows the device to service itself during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump pre-pressurizes the fuel tank before fuel discharge begins. By coupling the pump to the trigger mechanism, the system performs the pressurization action in advance of actual fuel consumption, ensuring that sufficient pressure is available when needed without requiring separate preparation time.
2Speed
If high pressure (300-400 psi) is used for fuel propulsion, then the effective range is maximized, but the device requires extended pressurization periods
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates continuously as long as the trigger is held down, maintaining fuel tank pressure throughout the discharge operation. This continuous pumping action ensures that the fuel stream maintains consistent velocity and range without interruption, eliminating the need for repeated pressurization cycles and maximizing the effectiveness of each trigger pull.
3Ease of operation
If radio frequency ignition is used, then remote ignition is achieved, but the system becomes unreliable due to RF operation issues and muzzle blast interference
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically conductive wire serves as an intermediary medium to transmit the electrical ignition signal from the solenoid valve directly to the fuel stream. This physical conductor is immune to the electromagnetic interference that plagues radio frequency systems, particularly in the harsh environment of muzzle blast and high-voltage discharge, ensuring reliable and consistent ignition operation.
4Ease of operation
If the flamethrower is designed as a standalone unit, then portability is improved, but the effective range may be limited compared to vehicle-mounted systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pump-driven hydraulic/pneumatic pressurization system to propel the fuel stream at high velocity over extended distances. By mechanically pressurizing the fuel tank during operation, the portable unit achieves fuel stream velocities and ranges comparable to larger vehicle-mounted systems, overcoming the typical range limitations of handheld devices.
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 provides a safe, efficient, and portable flamethrower with improved operational characteristics, allowing for easy handling and reduced risk of accidents, with the ability to be used as a standalone unit or attached to a firearm, and ensuring long-term usability with easily replaceable components.
Implementation Method 1
an externally powered fuel pump in flow communication with a nozzle and a fuel tank
Implementation Method 2
An ignition system is provided to effect igniting of a stream of liquid fuel
Implementation Method 3
A rechargeable battery (or batteries) is provided to power the electronics, the fuel pump and the ignition system
Implementation Method 4
a stream of liquid fuel... for burning downstream of a nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A portable flamethrower is provided. It includes a fuel supply, including an externally powered fuel pump in flow communication with a nozzle and a fuel tank. An ignition system is provided to effect igniting of a stream of liquid fuel. An electronic control system is provided to effect selective operation of the ignition system and the fuel system, and preclude their operation if operation criteria are not met.