Heat Isolating Torch Perforated Support Design
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid fueled torches often operate at high temperatures, posing safety risks when users need to store or relocate them, as the heated components can cause burns if not handled carefully.
Innovation Solution
A heat isolating torch design featuring a flame bowl with a perforated support and multiple shrouds that circumscribe and elevate the flame bowl, providing heat dissipation and isolation from the torch body, thereby reducing surface temperatures that users may touch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flame bowl is positioned close to the torch body for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the surface temperature of the torch body increases causing burn hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented with multiple perforations distributed across its surface, dividing the heat transfer path into multiple smaller zones. This segmentation allows heat to dissipate through various points rather than concentrating at a single interface between the flame bowl and torch body, thereby reducing overall surface temperature while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure features localized perforations specifically positioned to maximize heat dissipation from high-temperature zones. The perforated areas create localized cooling channels that directly address the heat transfer problem at critical interfaces, while other portions of the support maintain structural strength, achieving optimal balance between cooling and structural requirements.
2Temperature
If the flame bowl is elevated far from the torch body to reduce heat transfer, then surface temperature decreases improving safety, but device complexity increases due to additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it elevates the flame bowl to increase safety distance, provides structural support to hold the flame bowl in position, and incorporates perforations that enable heat dissipation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired temperature reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure merges the elevation function with the heat dissipation function by integrating perforations directly into the support elements. This combination eliminates the need for separate cooling fins or heat sinks, simplifying the overall structure while achieving both safety distance and temperature reduction goals.
3Temperature
If perforations are added to the support structure for heat dissipation, then surface temperature decreases improving safety, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes a perforated design that creates a porous-like structure for heat dissipation. The perforations are strategically positioned and sized to maximize cooling efficiency while maintaining structural integrity. This approach leverages the natural heat dissipation properties of porous structures without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances, as the overall porous effect is achieved through the collective action of multiple perforations rather than requiring each individual perforation to be perfectly precise.
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 design effectively keeps surfaces likely to be touched by users at a safer temperature, discouraging direct contact with hot components and ensuring safer handling and storage by maintaining the flame bowl and inner shroud at a distance from the outer shroud, reducing the risk of burns.
Implementation Method 1
A perforated support affixes the flame bowl in an elevated position relative to a portion of the torch body
Implementation Method 2
The perforated support may be provided with radiative fins
Implementation Method 3
A first shroud may circumscribe the flame bowl. Some embodiments also include a second shroud circumscribing the first shroud
Data Source
AI summary
A device with a flame bowl for a torch having a torch body containing a fuel supply. A fitting attaches to the flame bowl for interfacing with the fuel supply. A perforated support affixes the flame bowl in an elevated position relative to a portion of the torch body.