Rotating Flame Chimney via Segmented Gas Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for rotating flames or smoke plumes rely on turbulence or external fans, lacking a simple means to achieve regular rotation of flames or smoke plumes using passive methods.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates multiple gas inlet openings arranged around the heat source, directing gas flow in a spiral path to create a rotating flow around the flame or smoke plume, utilizing the natural draft to induce a stable, laminar rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gas inlet openings are arranged to direct gas flow in a spiral path around the heat source, then flame and smoke plume rotation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas inlet system is divided into multiple separate openings (at least two, preferably three or more) distributed around the chamber perimeter, each directing flow in a specific rotational direction. This segmentation allows the creation of rotational flow patterns through simple geometric arrangement rather than complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas inlet openings are positioned and oriented to introduce flow not only in the vertical direction (for draft) but also with horizontal rotational components. By adding this dimensional aspect to the inlet configuration, rotational motion is generated without requiring additional rotating mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If multiple gas inlet openings are used to create rotational flow, then flame rotation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber structure is designed with multiple discrete gas inlet openings that can be manufactured as separate features and then assembled or integrated into the chamber wall. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating complex integrated flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation and angular positioning of the gas inlet openings are carefully designed to exploit natural draft forces and create rotational flow. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the system achieves flame rotation using passive gravitational and buoyancy-driven flow rather than active mechanical control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gas flows through channels or nozzles to rotate the flame, then rotation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is segmented into multiple independent channel or nozzle structures, each feeding gas to a specific inlet opening. This modular approach allows for stable, controlled flow patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each channel can be designed and manufactured separately.
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
This solution enables the rotation of flames and smoke plumes in a stable, uniform manner, producing a helical smoke plume and enhancing the visual effect with rotating flame patterns, while minimizing turbulence and optimizing heat and fragrance distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source is arranged in a chamber... an ascending gas flow (draft) is produced in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
an ascending gas flow (draft) is produced in the chamber
Implementation Method 3
gas flows through them into the chamber in the lower volume thereof, rotating about the heat source and then following a spiral path toward the gas outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for containing a heat source (36) in a chamber (16) having a chimney-section (22). The apparatus has a gas inlet opening (24, 26, 30) and a gas outlet opening (32) formed in the chimney-section (22). The gas inlet opening (24, 26, 30) and the heat source are located in a lower area (12, 20′) of the chamber (16) and the gas outlet opening (32) is located in an upper region (14) of the chamber (16) so that, when a heat source is placed in the chamber (16), an ascending gas flow may be generated in the chamber (16). Inflowing gas into the chamber flows therethrough into the lower area (12, 20′) of the chamber (16) and then is drawn upwardly by a draw of the ascending gas flow and then though the gas outlet opening (32). The apparatus includes a subassembly (27). The chimney-section (22) is attached to the subassembly (27) so that lateral tilting of the chimney-section (22) causes motion of the subassembly (27) relative to the wick (307). This extinguishes the flame if the wick was burning.