Tabletop Fire Bowl Mounting for Standard Umbrella-Hole Tables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire effect devices, such as fire pits and barbeques, are either too heavy and large for easy removal or aesthetically unpleasing due to complex attachment mechanisms and require specialized tables, limiting their practicality and usability.

Innovation Solution

A fire receptacle with a detachable fuel tank and a mounting mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment from standard tables with umbrella holes using a hollow rigid tube and nut system, accommodating various tank sizes and simplifying access to the propane tank and controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fire effect devices are permanently attached to tables, then they provide stable fire effect, but they become too heavy and large with limited means to remove the fire bowl from the table

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable fire effectVSAvoidremoval of fire bowl

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fire effect device is divided into separate components: the fire bowl assembly and the fuel tank assembly can be independently removed from the table. The fire bowl is secured by a retainer mechanism that allows easy release, while the fuel tank connects via a detachable coupling, enabling segmented removal rather than permanent attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic removable attachment. The retainer and coupling mechanisms allow the device to be easily attached and detached, providing dynamic adaptability between stable operation and easy removal states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fire bowls are placed on tables with large openings, then they can be accommodated, but they require specialized table designs and multiple parts that are difficult to maintain and clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of fire bowlVSAvoidmultiple parts and design features

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to fit standard umbrella hole tables through the hollow tube insertion mechanism, providing universal compatibility. The fire bowl, fuel tank, and support structure work together as a multi-functional assembly that can be used on various table types without requiring specialized modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple components (fire bowl, fuel tank, hollow tube, retainer, coupling) are merged into a integrated assembly that functions as a complete fire effect device. This combining reduces the number of separate parts needing maintenance compared to previous designs requiring multiple independent components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of moving object

If fuel tanks are directly attached to fire bowls, then they provide continuous fuel supply, but they create dangerous suspended assemblies and restrict leg movement of individuals sitting at the table

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous fuel supplyVSAvoidsuspended heavy assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel tank is extracted from direct attachment to the fire bowl and instead connected through a detachable coupling mechanism. This separation allows the fuel tank to be securely mounted on the table surface rather than suspended, eliminating the dangerous heavy suspended assembly while maintaining continuous fuel supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If tables are specially designed to accommodate fire pits, then they provide integrated fire effect, but they require large cut outs and internal housings that alter the table and limit accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrated fire effectVSAvoidaccessibility to controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow tube serves as an intermediary element that connects the fire bowl to the table through the existing umbrella hole without requiring large cutouts or internal housings. This mediator allows integrated fire effect while preserving table integrity and maintaining accessibility to controls from beneath the table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10161636B2Table top fire effect attachment

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 GHP GRP

AI summary

A fire effect device for holding, controlling and displaying fire and methods of attaching and mounting such a device to furniture, such as umbrella tables. The includes an internal chamber 11 which houses a fuel dispersion assembly 12 and a rigid hollow tube which may be mounted to the chamber or be of unitary construction with the chamber. The rigid hollow tube is designed to be inserted into a hole or aperture of a table, such as an umbrella hole, and connected to a gas valve and thereafter a fuel line or source, such as a propane tank. The device is attached and detached to the table with ease by i) engaging or disengaging the fuel line from the fire effect device and, ii) the simple turning of a nut.