Thermic Lance Ignition Using Plastic Fuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermic lances require inconvenient and potentially dangerous ignition methods, often requiring two people and using fuel gases, while conventional fireworks pose safety and environmental hazards due to toxic materials.

Innovation Solution

A thermic lance with a combustible plastic fuse and electrical or friction ignition systems that allow for safe, simple, and remote ignition by one person, using plastics materials like polyurethane and polystyrene, which can be ignited by low power electrical means or friction, and a system for controlling oxidant gas flow to manage ignition and combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ignition methods (oxy-acetylene torch or car battery) are used, then the lance can be ignited, but the operation becomes inconvenient and potentially dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition safetyVSAvoidignition convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a plastic fuse as an intermediary substance between the ignition source and the lance tip. The fuse is ignited remotely and transmits the combustion reaction through its length to ignite the lance tip, eliminating the need for direct contact with dangerous ignition sources like oxy-acetylene torches or car batteries. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by making ignition both safer and more convenient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the ignition function from the main lance structure by using a separate, removable plastic fuse. The fuse can be inserted into the lance and ignited remotely, separating the ignition operation from the lance operation. This allows the lance to be ignited without requiring the operator to be in close proximity or handle dangerous ignition sources directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the LIT process with Lance Wick and Lance Igniter Tube is used, then ignition safety is improved, but the operation requires two people and becomes less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition safetyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex two-person LIT process by using a self-contained plastic fuse that can be ignited by a single operator using simple electrical means. The fuse integrates the ignition function into a single component that requires only remote electrical activation, removing the need for multiple people and complex coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical LIT process (requiring two people to coordinate wick lighting and lance positioning) with an electrical ignition system. A simple electrical circuit activates a heater element that ignites the plastic fuse remotely, substituting complex mechanical coordination with simple electrical control that one person can operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional fireworks using black powder and metal chlorates are used, then firework effects are achieved, but toxic materials and environmental hazards are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirework effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the firework system by replacing toxic black powder and metal chlorates with a plastic fuse containing non-toxic combustion materials. The plastic fuse combusts to produce the necessary heat and light effects without generating the harmful toxic gases and pollutants associated with conventional firework compositions, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables safe, convenient, and reliable ignition of thermic lances for use as fireworks, reducing toxicity and environmental impact compared to conventional fireworks, with controlled spark production and extinguishable design.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical ignition system for igniting the fuse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a friction ignition system mounted at the outlet end portion of the outer tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The plastic fuse is mounted at the outlet end portion of the outer tube and comprises a plurality of combustible metal wires extending from the fuse into the outer tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

a combustible metal outer tube having an oxidant gas inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, said end portions being in gas flow communication along at least one gas flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP1845231B1A thermic lance
Publication Date: 2009.02.18 AIR PROD & CHEM INC
  • EP1845231B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1845231B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1845231B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to use of a thermic lance (102) as a firework. Frictional (558) or electrical ignition (126) of a thermic lance is more convenient and safer than conventional methods. In addition, when used as a firework, the lance is safer and provides less pollution than conventional fireworks.