Insect Repellent Torch with Automatic Fuel Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repelling insect pests in outdoor areas, such as direct skin application of repellents and pre-emptive pesticide application, are either ineffective, harmful, or require frequent maintenance, particularly in wet climates where traditional torches with insect repellants become unstable.
Innovation Solution
A system of fuel-burning torches with an automatic refueling mechanism, connected via a fuel plumbing system to a central reservoir, allowing continuous operation and reduced risk of fuel spills, with the option to refill the central reservoir while the torches are in use, and incorporating features like wick height adjusters and remote control for fuel management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional torches with insect repellants are used in wet climates, then insect repulsion is provided, but the torches become unstable due to soft, water-saturated ground
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the torch into separate components: a stable base unit with fuel reservoir and a torch head assembly. The base remains stationary on the ground while the torch head can be adjusted, allowing the system to maintain stability in soft ground conditions while still providing effective insect repulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
An automatic refueling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fuel source and the torch combustion chamber. This mechanism ensures continuous fuel supply without requiring manual intervention, maintaining torch operation reliability while adapting to various environmental conditions including wet climates.
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual refueling of torches is performed, then fuel replenishment is achieved, but fuel spills and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automatic refueling mechanism that self-regulates fuel transfer from the reservoir to the combustion chamber. The mechanism monitors fuel levels and automatically replenishes the torch without user intervention, eliminating manual handling risks while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual refueling process is replaced with an automated mechanical system that uses controlled fluid dynamics to transfer fuel. This substitution eliminates the need for human interaction with fuel containers, significantly reducing spill risks while maintaining extended operational capability.
3Reliability
If skin application of insect repellent is used, then direct protection is provided, but residue and toxicity concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the insect repellent function from direct skin application and relocates it to an environmental control method. Torches burn fuel that vaporizes repellent compounds into the surrounding air, creating a protective zone without requiring chemical contact with skin, thereby eliminating residue and absorption concerns while maintaining protection effectiveness.
4Reliability
If pre-emptive pesticide application is used, then insect killing is achieved, but toxic residue on surfaces and environmental harm occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies insect control locally through targeted vaporization zones around the torches rather than broad-area pesticide application. The repellent compounds are released only in the immediate vicinity of the torches where needed, creating effective local protection without leaving widespread toxic residue on surfaces or causing broad environmental harm.
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 effectively repels insects for extended periods without user maintenance, reducing environmental and health risks associated with traditional chemical applications and maintaining effectiveness in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a wick that extends from the local fuel reservoir to a combustion area, and that is configured to draw fuel from the local fuel reservoir to the combustion area
Implementation Method 2
torches that repel insects by burning a fuel that contains an insect repellant substance
Data Source
AI summary
A system for repelling insects from an outdoor area includes at least one torch configured to disburse an insect repellant by burning a fuel, and a central fuel reservoir interconnected with the torches by a fuel plumbing system and configured to automatically replenish the fuel in a local reservoir of the torch. Fuel can be gravitationally transferred from the central reservoir to the torches, or maintained under pressure in the plumbing system and controlled by level sensors and valves in the torches. A remotely operated wick seal can exclude air from torch interiors and prevent fuel spills. A central controller and/or local torch controllers can be powered by wires and/or by batteries, which can be recharged by solar power. The controllers can be wirelessly monitored and/or controlled by software running on a remote device. The remote device and software can control a plurality of the systems.