Telescoping Burn Cup for Solid Fuel Flame Duration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid fuel masses, such as ethanol-based fuel pellets, burn too quickly, reducing the lifespan of decorative items like lanterns or torches, and pose safety hazards due to spillage risks.
Innovation Solution
A burn rate controlling apparatus comprising a base cup and a descent cup with a flame orifice, where the descent cup moves telescopically as the fuel burns, slowing the burn rate and extending the flame duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid fuel mass is used instead of gel or liquid fuel, then safety is improved by eliminating spillage risk, but the burn rate increases significantly, decreasing the lifespan of the flame
Solution Approach 1:
A descent cup is introduced as an intermediary component between the solid fuel mass and the surrounding air. The cup has a flame orifice that controls and restricts the air-fuel interaction, mediating the combustion process to reduce the burn rate while maintaining safety benefits of solid fuel
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the combustion system by introducing a cup structure with specific orifice dimensions. This modifies the air flow rate and oxygen supply to the fuel, thereby controlling the burn rate parameter to extend flame lifespan from approximately 45 minutes to 3 hours or more
2Duration of action of moving object
If the descent cup is made to move telescopically as fuel burns, then the flame duration is extended by controlling air flow, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The descent cup is designed to move dynamically rather than remain fixed. As the solid fuel mass consumes and decreases in height, the descent cup telescopically descends to maintain optimal positioning, ensuring consistent flame control throughout the extended burn period. This dynamic adjustment simplifies the overall structure compared to complex mechanical control systems
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 apparatus significantly extends the flame duration of solid fuel from 45 minutes to about three hours, enhancing safety by preventing spillage and reducing waste through multiple uses.
Implementation Method 1
the descent cup moves toward the base cup as the solid fuel mass is burned
Implementation Method 2
a flame produced as the solid fuel mass is burned extends outwardly from each flame orifice of the descent cup
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus in which a solid fuel mass is burned controls the burn rate to slow the burning process and extend the lifespan of the solid fuel mass. The apparatus has a base cup configured to receive a lower portion of the solid fuel mass, and a descent cup configured to receive an upper portion of the solid fuel mass, wherein the descent cup includes a flame orifice. The descent cup is telescopically associated with the base cup and moves toward the base cup as the solid fuel mass is burned, and a flame produced as the solid fuel mass is burned extends outwardly from the flame orifice of the descent cup.