Liquefied Gas Lighter Membrane Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquefied gas lighters with non-adjustable flame height face challenges in manufacturing cost and membrane robustness due to complex designs and high costs, particularly when dealing with dynamic surges and liquid phase gas flow rate variations.
Innovation Solution
A simpler design where the liquefied gas reaches the membrane directly through through holes in the first seating body, with a defined passage area by the intersection of the first and second seating bodies, reducing the risk of membrane breakage and ensuring a constant gas flow rate by minimizing the liquid's volume near the membrane and promoting evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a labyrinth path is provided for the liquefied gas route between the reservoir and the membrane, then the dynamic surge on the membrane is minimized, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas passage is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first gas passage with larger cross-section for bulk gas flow, a second gas passage with restricted cross-section for flow rate control, and a third gas passage for stabilized gas delivery to the burner. This segmentation allows dynamic surge minimization through progressive flow restriction without requiring a complex labyrinth path, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining membrane protection.
2Reliability
If the first seating body has an elongated cylindrical shape with a longitudinal peripheral groove and annular pool, then the dynamic surge on the membrane is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the annular pool (causing liquid accumulation and increasing manufacturing complexity) is extracted and removed. Instead, a simplified first seating body with a longitudinal groove is provided, where the groove directly guides gas flow without creating a pooled accumulation zone. This maintains the surge-minimization function while dramatically improving ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If the lighter is in horizontal position allowing liquid gas to accumulate downstream of the membrane, then the gas outlet flow rate increases considerably, but the flame height becomes dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
A gas flow rate limiting device consisting of a microporous membrane is installed upstream of the membrane to pre-regulate the gas flow rate before the gas reaches the membrane and burner. This preliminary flow rate limitation ensures that even if liquid gas accumulates downstream during horizontal positioning, the gas outlet flow rate remains controlled and the flame height stays within safe limits, preventing the harmful effect before it can occur.
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
This design results in a more robust, cost-effective lighter with a stable gas flow rate, reducing the risk of membrane breakage and excessive flame height during dynamic surges and liquid phase gas exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The liquefied gas from the reservoir reaches the membrane on said upstream face, diffuses into the microporous material of the membrane and leaves it via said downstream face towards said supply duct
Implementation Method 2
a gas flow rate limiting device consisting of a microporous membrane gripped between a first seating body and a second seating body
Implementation Method 3
the gas outlet flow rate can be considerably greater during a short transitory period, until the gas in liquid state, near the membrane, has evaporated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Liquated gas lighter with non-adjustable flame height, comprising a gas reservoir (12), a burner (1) and a gas flow limiting device consisting of a microporous membrane (2) gripped between a first seating body (3) and a second seating body (4). First seating body (3) has a through hole (17) that comes out on one side directly into microporous membrane (2) and on the other side into reservoir (12). Second seating body (4) has a seating surface (22) in contact with membrane (2), a groove (6) formed in seating surface (22), an outlet duct (7) and a linking passage (18) between groove (6) and outlet duct (7). Through hole (17) is facing, at least partially and through microporous membrane (2), groove (6).