Gas Torch Flame Diverters for Shaped Decorative Flames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas torches lack the ability to produce a decorative and shaped flame, which limits their visual appeal and design flexibility compared to kerosene torches, while also requiring more expensive and disruptive installation for gas lines.
Innovation Solution
A gas torch design featuring a base coupled to a gas source with gas ports and a series of diverters positioned above the base to shape the flame, allowing for the diversion of ignited and unignited gas to create a curling and flowing effect, providing a consistent and visually appealing flame pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas lines are installed to provide gas fuel to the torch, then the flame performance and consistency are improved, but the installation complexity and disruption to landscaping increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torch system is segmented into modular components: a removable fuel container, a torch head with burner assembly, and separate mounting hardware. This allows the gas supply system to be easily connected and disconnected without permanent gas line installation, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable gas fuel delivery to the burner
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible fuel delivery mechanism (such as a removable pressurized container or hose-connected gas supply) serves as an intermediary between the gas source and the burner. This intermediary allows gas to be delivered reliably to the torch head without requiring permanent gas line installation, thus resolving the contradiction between flame consistency and installation complexity
2Illumination intensity
If flame height and brightness are increased for better performance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the flame becomes less controllable and more intense
Solution Approach 1:
The burner assembly incorporates multiple small gas ports distributed across the burner surface rather than a single large opening. This allows the flame to be distributed across multiple points, providing both brightness through cumulative light output and controllability through individual port regulation or collective flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The torch includes adjustable components such as variable gas flow control valves and potentially adjustable burner positioning or angle mechanisms. These dynamic controls allow the user to adjust flame height and brightness in real-time, maintaining ease of operation while achieving desired visual appeal
3Illumination intensity
If decorative elements are added to the torch head for visual appeal, then the aesthetic value is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torch head is designed with universal, multi-functional components where decorative elements serve dual purposes: aesthetic enhancement and functional flame shaping. For example, the burner geometry is designed to create both the flame pattern and provide structural support, while decorative grilles serve as both visual elements and flame containment features, thereby adding visual appeal without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The torch head incorporates asymmetric decorative patterns and flame port arrangements that create visually interesting flame shapes and patterns. The asymmetric design provides aesthetic value while the underlying symmetric structural framework maintains manufacturing simplicity and assembly ease, balancing visual appeal with device complexity
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 enables the creation of a decorative and shaped flame, enhancing the visual appeal of gas torches and reducing maintenance needs, while allowing for easier installation and design variability without the need for complex gas line setups.
Implementation Method 1
gas ports formed in a top surface of the base to emit gas upwardly therefrom
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of diverters is stacked in a spaced apart relationship directly above the base... providing a consistent and visually appealing flame pattern
Implementation Method 3
emit gas upwardly therefrom... diversion of ignited and unignited gas to create a curling and flowing effect
Data Source
AI summary
A gas torch includes a base couplable to a gas source supplying gaseous fuel and gas ports formed in a top surface of the base to emit gas upwardly therefrom. A plurality of diverters is stacked in a spaced apart relationship directly above the base, each diverter having an inner edge and an outer edge. Each diverter is positioned above a lower diverter so that the inner edge and the outer edge are positioned intermediate one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the lower diverter. The lowest diverter, that which is adjacent the base, is positioned such that the gas ports are positioned directly underlying and intermediate the inner edge and the outer edge thereof.