Collapsible Mesh Fire Pit for Airflow and Ember Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight, easily transportable, and easily assembled fire containment system suitable for outdoor use, particularly in settings where designated fire regions are not available, such as campgrounds frequented by backpackers, hikers, or beach-goers, and that allows for efficient airflow to maintain a high burn rate and contain embers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable fire pit system comprising a collapsible frame with upwardly extending rods, a support structure with heat dissipation elements, and a mesh that allows airflow while inhibiting particulates, which can be assembled and disassembled without tools, and includes a heat shield and ember containment system for safe use and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fire ring is used, then fire containment is achieved, but portability and ease of transport are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fire containment system is divided into separate modular components including a collapsible frame, support structure, and mesh base that can be transported independently and assembled at the destination. This segmentation allows each component to be lightweight while collectively providing complete fire containment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to collapse from an expanded fire-containing configuration to a compact transport configuration. This dynamic transformation enables the system to provide full fire containment when needed while minimizing volume and weight during transport, effectively resolving the contradiction between containment reliability and portability.
2Weight of moving object
If a collapsible frame is used for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct components (frame, support structure, mesh base) with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows for tool-free assembly through simple mechanical connections while maintaining portability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates self-latching mechanisms and intuitive connection points that enable users to assemble and collapse the structure without tools or external assistance. The design provides built-in alignment features and snap-fit connections that guide proper assembly, reducing complexity despite the collapsible functionality.
3Productivity
If airflow is increased to maintain high burn rate, then combustion efficiency is improved, but ember containment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh base features varying aperture sizes and distributions across different regions. Areas with higher airflow requirements have larger openings for combustion efficiency, while peripheral regions have smaller openings or denser mesh to contain embers. This local variation in mesh quality simultaneously optimizes both combustion efficiency and ember containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh base utilizes a porous structure with controlled porosity that allows sufficient airflow for high burn rates while the pore size is engineered to retain embers. The porous material provides selective permeability - permitting gas flow for combustion while blocking solid particulates like embers from escaping.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a mesh with small apertures is used to contain embers, then ember containment is improved, but airflow to fuel source is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh base incorporates spatially varying aperture characteristics - central regions have larger openings to maximize airflow to the fuel source for efficient combustion, while peripheral and upper regions have smaller openings to contain embers. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between airflow requirements and ember containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh utilizes engineered porous material with controlled pore size distribution that permits adequate gas permeability for combustion airflow while the pore dimensions are sufficient to filter and retain embers. The porous structure provides selective transport - gases pass through freely while larger ember particles are blocked.
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 provides a stable, efficient, and safe means to contain and manage fires in various outdoor settings, allowing for high combustion rates while preventing ember escape and facilitating easy transport and storage, thus addressing the limitations of existing fire containment solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the mesh comprises a porosity configured to permit airflow to the fuel source
Implementation Method 2
the heat dissipation elements comprises at least one channel in the upper wall, wherein the at least one channel is configured to increase an external surface area of the upper wall
Implementation Method 3
configured to permit airflow to the fuel source
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fire pit is provided that includes a frame, a support structure, and a mesh. The frame can include a plurality of upwardly extending rods and cross-bars extending between the upwardly extending rods. The support structure can include a plurality of supports having an upper wall, a base, and an aperture sized to receive an upwardly extending rod of the frame. The support structure can extend around a periphery of the frame. The mesh can include a base and a plurality of apertures sized to receive an upwardly extending rod of the frame.