Nested Nozzle Flame System with Multi-Fuel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame effect systems struggle to balance aesthetics, cleanliness, efficiency, and visibility, particularly in outdoor applications where environmental factors like sunlight, weather, and pollution affect the visibility and coloration of flames, often resulting in incomplete combustion and pollution from soot or ash.
Innovation Solution
A system with a nested nozzle assembly and automation controller that regulates fuel flow and pressure to achieve desired flame characteristics, using multiple types of fuel and converging-diverging nozzles to optimize flame visibility, cleanliness, and cost-effectiveness, while adapting to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If colorful flame effects are generated to improve aesthetic appeal, then flame coloration and visibility are enhanced, but incomplete combustion occurs resulting in soot and ash pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel supply system is segmented into multiple independent fuel lines, each delivering a different fuel type to separate nozzle groups. This allows independent control of each fuel's combustion characteristics, enabling the system to optimize for both coloration and cleanliness by selecting appropriate fuel combinations rather than relying on a single fuel type that compromises either aesthetic appeal or combustion completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite fuel strategies by utilizing multiple fuel types (e.g., hydrocarbon fuels for coloration, cleaner-burning fuels for reduced emissions) either simultaneously or alternately. This composite approach to fuel selection allows the system to achieve the benefits of both colorful flames and reduced soot production by combining the advantageous properties of different fuels.
2Volume of moving object
If large flame size is used to improve aesthetic appeal and visibility, then flame prominence is enhanced, but fuel consumption increases and combustion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts flame size and intensity by independently controlling multiple nozzle groups with different fuel types based on real-time conditions. Rather than operating at a fixed large size that always consumes excessive fuel, the system can modulate flame dimensions and select appropriate fuel combinations to achieve desired visual impact while minimizing fuel consumption through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different fuel types and adjusting fuel flow rates to different nozzles. This allows optimization of the flame-to-fuel-consumption ratio by selecting parameters (fuel type, flow rate, pressure) that achieve adequate flame size for aesthetic purposes while minimizing energy loss through efficient combustion of appropriately selected fuels.
3Device complexity
If single fuel type is used to simplify system design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to environmental factors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-fuel system serves multiple functions: different fuel types can be selected based on environmental conditions (wind, temperature, humidity), aesthetic requirements (flame color, size), and operational needs (continuous vs. intermittent operation). This universal fuel selection capability allows a single system to adapt to diverse operating scenarios without requiring multiple specialized systems, making the complexity worthwhile by achieving versatility.
4Device complexity
If incomplete combustion is tolerated to reduce oxidizer requirements, then system simplicity is maintained, but pollution and efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different combustion qualities to different fuel streams by directing specific fuels to specific nozzle groups. Certain fuel types are optimized for complete combustion in controlled streams to minimize emissions, while other fuels may be used in configurations prioritizing coloration or size. This localized optimization of combustion quality across different fuel streams allows the system to achieve high overall efficiency and low pollution without requiring complete redesign of the entire combustion system.
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 generates aesthetically appealing, clean-burning, and clearly visible flame effects that are adaptable to environmental factors, minimizing soot and ash production while maintaining cost-effectiveness and visibility across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
passing the first type of fuel through the first nozzle at a first pressure, passing the second type of fuel through the second nozzle at a second pressure
Implementation Method 2
passing the first type of fuel and the second type of fuel over an ignition feature, such that the first type of fuel and the second type of fuel ignite to generate a flame effect
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for generating a flame effect. An embodiment includes a nozzle assembly with an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle. At least a portion of the inner nozzle is nested within at least a portion of the outer nozzle. The system also includes a fuel source with two or more separate types of fuel.