Rotatable Safety Cap for Torch Ignition Button
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable gas-burning devices, such as hand-held torches, lack effective child-safety features to prevent inadvertent ignition, and conventional lighters do not automatically return to a non-use position after use.
Innovation Solution
A portable torch design featuring a safety cap system that rotates between a closed and armed position, inhibiting access to the ignition button when not in use, and automatically returning to the closed position after use, combined with a piezoelectric igniter and microjet burner for robust combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cap is added to cover the ignition button to prevent child safety issues, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is designed to be rotatable between a closed position (blocking ignition button) and an open position (exposing ignition button). This dynamic positioning allows the same structure to provide both safety protection and functional accessibility, resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable cap assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the ignition button and the user. It mediates the interaction by selectively allowing or blocking access to the ignition button based on its rotational position, thereby providing child-safety features without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the cap remains open after use, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to risk of inadvertent ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly provides visual feedback about the ignition status through its position. When the torch is not in use, the cap rotates to the closed position, visually indicating that the ignition button is blocked and the device is safe. When the cap is opened, it visually indicates that the ignition button is accessible and the device is ready for use, helping users understand the current state and prevent inadvertent ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is designed to automatically return to the closed position after use, preemptively preventing any future inadvertent ignition before it can occur. This preliminary anti-action ensures that even if a child or unauthorized person attempts to access the ignition button after use, the cap will be in the protective closed position.
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 design effectively prevents inadvertent ignition by children and provides a durable, compact torch with robust combustion power, allowing for angled flame use even in windy conditions, while ensuring safe operation through a two-stage ignition process.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric igniter and an ignition button. The ignition button is movable relative to the body between an upper, neutral position, and a depressed, ignition position
Implementation Method 2
a microjet burner, which is supported by the body and defines a fuel discharge passage
Data Source
AI summary
A torch includes a body, a fuel tank and a microjet burner. The torch also includes an ignition button that is movable relative to the body between an upper position and a depressed position, and a cap assembly, which includes a lower cap and a safety cap rotatably coupled with the lower cap. The safety cap includes an ignition button guard, defines a flame portal, and is rotatable between a closed position and an armed position. When the safety cap is in the closed position, the ignition button guard is aligned with the ignition button and inhibits access to the ignition button, and the safety cap covers the microjet burner. When the safety cap is in the armed position, the flame portal is aligned with the microjet burner, and the ignition button guard is misaligned with the ignition button, and access to the ignition button is unobstructed.