Modular Wick Holder With Adjustable Projections For Flame Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wick holders do not allow users to control wicking speed, leading to overheating of fuel due to direct heat transfer from the flame, and require inconvenient fuel refilling procedures, including waiting for the wick to soak before ignition.
Innovation Solution
A modular wick holder design with adjustable clamping forces and a hinged insulation shield that separates the flame from the fuel container, allowing for safe and efficient refilling and reduced ignition wait time by modifying the wicking speed through adjustable projections and ventholes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wick holder is fixedly disposed on the base, then the wick is securely held, but the user cannot change the wicking speed to control flame scale
Solution Approach 1:
The wick holder employs adjustable projections that can be repositioned along the wick to dynamically change the clamping force and wicking speed. This allows the device to adapt to different fuel types and desired flame intensities without requiring a completely different holder structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the wick holder by providing multiple projections at different positions and sizes. By selecting and adjusting which projections contact the wick, the user can modify the wicking speed parameter to control flame scale, achieving adaptability through parameter variation rather than structural redesign.
2Productivity
If the flame is allowed to burn freely, then the wick draws fuel at maximum speed, but the heat transfers to the fuel in the container causing overheating risk
Solution Approach 1:
The wick holder acts as an intermediary component positioned between the flame and the fuel container. It provides thermal isolation by creating a physical barrier that prevents direct heat transfer from the flame to the fuel, allowing the flame to burn at full intensity while protecting the fuel reservoir from overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the heat source (flame) from direct contact with the fuel container by positioning the wick holder such that the flame burns above and away from the fuel reservoir. This spatial separation removes the harmful thermal interaction while maintaining efficient fuel consumption through the wick's capillary action.
3Ease of operation
If the wick and cap are removed for fuel refilling, then the fuel tank can be filled, but the user must wait for cooling and the wick to soak through before ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The wick holder is designed to pre-soak the wick in fuel during normal operation, so that when refilling is needed, the wick is already saturated and ready for immediate ignition. This preliminary saturation action eliminates the waiting time required for the wick to absorb fuel after refilling, allowing users to quickly refill and relight without delay.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wick holder is designed as a single integrated piece, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust the clamping forces to control wicking speed
Solution Approach 1:
The wick holder is segmented into multiple adjustable projections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each projection to be optimized for specific clamping forces and wick positions, providing adaptability in controlling wicking speed. The modular segmented structure achieves functionality adjustment without requiring a completely complex assembly mechanism.
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 modular wick holder effectively controls wicking speed, insulates fuel from heat, and enables safe refilling without waiting for the wick to soak, reducing the risk of overheating and deflagration hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a wick that is held by the wick holder includes a distal end outward of the cap and another distal end disposed in the fuel tank
Implementation Method 2
the fuel inside the tank to effectively insulate the heat generated by the flame above to avoid the risk caused by overheated fuel
Implementation Method 3
at least one adjusting member inserts through the first and second wick holder assemblies and is operable to move the first and second projections closer and to have the space include a reduced size
Data Source
AI summary
A modular wick holder includes a first wick holder assembly and a second wick holder assembly joined together. The first and second wick holder assemblies are disposed symmetrical to each other. The first wick holder assembly includes a first projection, and the second wick holder assembly includes a second projection opposite and corresponding to the first projection. The first and second projections delimit a space therebetween. When the modular wick holder combines with a wick, the wick is securely held by the space. At least one adjusting member inserts through the first and second wick holder assemblies and is operable to move the first and second projections closer and to have the space include a reduced size.