Table with underside gas fire pit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire pit tables pose a safety hazard due to heat transfer to the table top surface, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A table design integrating a gas fire pit beneath an insulated table top, with a base frame, upstanding frames, and a top frame that includes a pan receiving area for heating elements, and arms connecting the pan to the table top to maintain a controlled open flame without transferring heat to the table top, utilizing a fireproof material for the protective member to prevent heat spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fire pit is integrated into the table, then warmth and ambiance are provided, but heat transfers to the table top surface creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat shield as an intermediary component positioned between the fire pit and the table top surface. This heat shield intercepts and redirects heat away from the table top, allowing the fire pit to provide warmth while preventing harmful heat transfer to the surface users contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is divided into distinct functional zones: a fire pit section for heat generation, a heat shield section for heat management, and a table top section for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, with the heat shield acting as a buffer zone that separates the heat source from the surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the table top is insulated to prevent heat transfer, then safety is improved, but the ability to provide warmth to people around the table is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield serves as a selective intermediary that blocks heat transfer to the table top while allowing heat to radiate outward to people surrounding the table. This directional heat management maintains safety for surface contact while preserving the warming effect for users sitting around the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure exhibits different thermal properties in different locations: the area beneath the table top is insulated to prevent heat transfer to the surface, while the sides and outer regions allow heat radiation to reach people. This local differentiation of thermal characteristics simultaneously achieves safety and warmth provision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat shield is added to prevent heat transfer, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is integrated with the existing table structure rather than being a separate add-on component. It is positioned within the table's framework, utilizing the same support legs and structural elements, which minimizes the increase in overall complexity while still providing effective heat transfer prevention.
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 provides warmth and ambiance while maintaining the safety and usability of the table top, as the heat is deflected and distributed around, ensuring the table remains cool and safe for use.
Implementation Method 1
the table top is insulated to prevent heat transfer to the top surface
Implementation Method 2
The heating elements include a gas-driven flame or coil
Data Source
AI summary
A table fire pit integrating a fire pit beneath an insulated table top is disclosed. The table gas includes a base frame, upstanding frames extending from the base frame, and a top frame at a top of the upstanding frames. The top frame defines a pan receiving area at the top frame for receiving a pan holding heating elements. The table fire pit includes arms extending from the top frame. Further, the arms connect to a table top such that the pan positions underneath the table top. The heating elements are ignited in the pan, creating a controlled open flame below the table top that generates warmth and ambiance without transferring heat to the table top. The table fire pit is portable and makes it suitable for well-ventilated areas or outdoor use, offering a stylish and practical solution for gatherings and dining experiences.