Integrated Fire Log with Starter Fuel Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for firewood substitutes, such as manufactured fire logs, require a multi-step process for ignition and may not burn long enough or produce sufficient heat, and are not always convenient or portable.

Innovation Solution

A combustible structure with a starter fuel chamber, external lighter and air openings, and a conveying fuel chamber that includes an artificial fire log, allowing self-kindling and sustained combustion without the need for separate kindling, using materials like paper, wax, or sawdust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manufactured fire logs are used as firewood substitute, then firewood gathering is simplified, but multi-step ignition process is still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirewood gatheringVSAvoidignition process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fire log and starter fuel into a single integrated structure where the starter fuel is embedded within channels of the fire log itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate kindling and multiple ignition steps, as the integrated starter fuel ignites first and automatically ignites the main fire log body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fire log is designed with self-igniting capability through embedded starter fuel that requires only a single external ignition source. The starter fuel automatically ignites the main log body without requiring additional user intervention or separate kindling, making the system self-sufficient after initial ignition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manufactured fire logs are used, then firewood availability issues are resolved, but burning duration and heat output are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirewood availabilityVSAvoidburning duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fire log is constructed as a composite structure combining different fuel types with distinct burning characteristics. The outer body provides sustained burning while embedded starter fuel materials (such as wax or paper-based compounds) provide rapid initial ignition. This composite approach enables both long duration and adequate heat output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If traditional firewood is used, then sufficient heat and duration are achieved, but gathering and assembling is tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat outputVSAvoidgathering and assembling

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fire log is pre-segmented into functional zones during manufacturing, with starter fuel channels embedded within the main body. This pre-segmentation eliminates the need for users to manually assemble different sizes of firewood and kindling, while the segmented structure ensures proper combustion sequence and sufficient heat output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Provides a convenient, portable, and sustained fire solution that alleviates the need for gathering firewood, allowing for safe outdoor cooking and prolonged burning with minimal setup.

Implementation Method 1

a starter fuel chamber (111) with a starter fuel (231)... a conveying fuel chamber (112) that includes a conveying fuel (232)... combustion in the conveying fuel chamber spreads to the fuel chamber (230)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11306268B1Combustible structure with fire log and integrated starter fuel

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 ENVIROLOG LLC

AI summary

Described are combustible structures. For example, a combustible structure includes a starter fuel chamber with a starter fuel, an external lighter opening, and an external air opening. The combustible structure includes a conveying fuel chamber adjacent to the starter fuel chamber and including a conveying fuel. The combustible structure includes a partition between the conveying fuel chamber and the starter fuel chamber, the partition including an opening such that combustion in the starter fuel chamber can spread to the conveying fuel chamber through the opening. The combustible structure includes a fuel chamber that includes an artificial fire log and an external vent. The combustible structure includes a retaining structure that provides for ease of transport and holds the artificial fire log in place such that combustion in the conveying fuel chamber spreads to the fuel chamber.