Torch Fire Bowl Rotation Guide for Refueling Access
Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid fueled torches pose risks during refueling, as disassembly can lead to lost pieces and a cumbersome, dirty process.
Innovation Solution
A torch design featuring a fuel container with a top cover and fire bowl that allows limited rotation to align or misalign fill holes for fluid access, using a guide member and slot to restrict rotation and a wick holder with a biasing member to secure the fire bowl, enabling easy filling without tools and preventing fluid flow when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torch is partially disassembled to refuel, then the reservoir can be accessed for refueling, but pieces may be lost and the operation becomes cumbersome and dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The torch is designed to be self-retaining through the interaction between the guide member and guide slot, which automatically prevent disassembly without requiring additional fastening operations. The structure serves itself by mechanically limiting separation during normal handling and refueling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary element between the fire bowl and top cover, providing mechanical guidance and retention. This intermediate component prevents direct loss of parts while still allowing controlled access during refueling through the guided rotation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the torch is partially disassembled to refuel, then the reservoir can be accessed for refueling, but the operation becomes dirty and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The torch transitions from a static assembled state to a dynamic partially-rotated state for refueling, then back to static closed state. The guide member and guide slot enable controlled dynamic movement (rotation) that provides access without requiring complete disassembly, reducing complexity and mess.
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling function is segmented into two distinct operational states: closed position for normal operation and rotated position for refueling. The guide member and guide slot create discrete positional states that separate the refueling function from the operational function, allowing simple access without full disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If the fill holes are always aligned, then fluid can always flow into the reservoir, but fluid flow cannot be prevented when not refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment of fill holes changes dynamically based on the rotational position of the fire bowl relative to the top cover. The guide member and guide slot enable the system to transition between aligned (refueling) and misaligned (operational) states, providing both easy fluid access when needed and reliable fluid flow control during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The same rotational mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables refueling access by aligning fill holes, prevents fluid leakage by misaligning fill holes during operation, and provides structural retention through the guide member-slot interaction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient refueling by preventing piece loss and reducing the complexity of the operation, ensuring fluid communication only when intended, while allowing easy alignment and misalignment of fill holes for fluid access.
Implementation Method 1
The wick holder may provide a lip on a distal end thereof, with the lip retaining a captive biasing member that biases the fire bowl to the top cover.
Implementation Method 2
At least one magnet may be attached to the lid for retaining the lid against the fire bowl.
Implementation Method 3
The guide member fits into the guide slot to limit the degree of rotation between the fuel container and the fire bowl.
Data Source
AI summary
A torch has a fuel container with a reservoir and a top cover. The top cover defines a first wick passage, a first fill hole, and a guide slot. A fire bowl is positioned atop the fuel container and defines a second wick passage, a second fill hole, and a guide member. At least one open rotational position is allowed between the fuel container and fire bowl such that the first and second fill holes are aligned to allow fluid into the reservoir via the fill holes. At least one closed rotational position is allowed between the fuel container and the fire bowl such that the first and second fill holes are out of alignment substantially blocking fluid flow into or out of the reservoir via the fill holes.