Plasma Arc Ignition for Wind-Resistant Electronic Smoking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional smoking devices are cumbersome, require fuel refills, and are susceptible to wind interference, making them difficult to use and clean, with limited portability.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic smoking device powered by a rechargeable battery that uses a plasma arc to heat combustible materials, eliminating the need for fuel and providing wind resistance, with a removable pod and mouthpiece for easy cleaning and interchangeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fuel-based ignition is used, then combustion can be achieved, but the device becomes susceptible to wind interference and requires frequent fuel refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidwind interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fuel-based ignition system with an electronic plasma arc ignition system. The plasma arc burner generates high-temperature plasma through electrical discharge, eliminating the need for combustible fuel and making the ignition process immune to wind interference while maintaining reliable combustion initiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fuel tank is included for portability, then the device can function away from power sources, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical fuel tank system with an electrical power system consisting of a rechargeable battery and plasma arc generation circuitry. This replacement dramatically reduces device weight while maintaining portability, as electrical components are significantly lighter than fuel storage systems for equivalent energy delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical fuel to electrical energy, enabling the device to achieve the same functional portability with reduced mass. The rechargeable battery provides sufficient energy for multiple ignition cycles without the weight penalty of a fuel tank

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If open flame ignition is used, then combustion is achieved, but lighting and cleaning the pipe becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition speedVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the open flame ignition method with a plasma arc system that generates combustion through controlled electrical discharge. This substitution enables precise, localized heating that ignites material rapidly while producing minimal residue and avoiding the soot and carbon buildup associated with open flames, thereby simplifying cleaning requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If fuel-based burning is used, then combustion can occur, but the device is limited to specific locations where smoking is permitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion efficiencyVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fuel-based burning system with an electrical plasma arc ignition system powered by a rechargeable battery. This substitution eliminates the need for external fuel sources and allows the device to operate in locations where traditional fuel-based smoking is prohibited, significantly increasing location flexibility while maintaining combustion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 device is lightweight, wind-resistant, and efficient, allowing for quick heating of combustible materials to produce smoke, with a plasma arc reaching temperatures over 1000 degrees, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a plasma arc emission burner disposed within the housing and coupled to the energy storage device and to the user interface device, where the plasma arc emission burner is operable to emit a plasma arc

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma arc: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

The plasma arc heats/ignites combustible material held in a removeable pod or chamber and the resultant smoke can be drawn through a mouth-piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230363446A1Electronic smoking apparatus having plasma arc mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 GELT ENTERPRISES

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable electronic smoking apparatus (e.g., pipe) that emits a plasma arc powered by a rechargeable battery. The plasma arc heats/burns combustible material held in a removeable pod or chamber and can be drawn through a mouth-piece. The heating element produces a plasma art that is wind resistant and can reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees. In this way, the combustible material is quickly and efficiently heated to produce smoke to be inhaled by the user.