Torch Flame Control Plate with Angled Bracket for Quiet Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot pedals for open flame torches do not effectively control the size and intensity of the flame, require manual adjustment, and are not suitable for individuals without the use of their legs or one hand, also producing a loud 'pop' sound when igniting or extinguishing the flame.
Innovation Solution
A pedal with a valve-connecting bracket and mini ball valves that allows for hands-free control of the torch flame by angling the bracket to open the oxygen valve first for quiet ignition and close the propane valve first for safe extinguishing, using stainless steel components and fine-threaded nuts for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional foot pedals with solenoid valves are used, then the torch can be turned on and off, but the size and intensity of the flame cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism is segmented into separate control paths for oxygen and propane valves, with the bracket having distinct holes for each valve. This allows independent timing control of each gas flow while maintaining a single pedal operation, enabling flame size and intensity control without requiring multiple pedals or complex coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is made dynamically adjustable through its angled holes, which allow the operator to change the timing sequence of valve opening and closing. By adjusting the bracket angle, the operator can control whether oxygen or propane opens first, thereby regulating flame intensity and size dynamically during operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual flame adjustment is required, then the flame size can be controlled, but the operator cannot handle work with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through its mechanical linkage. When the operator presses the pedal, the bracket automatically sequences the opening of oxygen and propane valves based on the angled hole geometry, eliminating the need for manual intervention during flame adjustment and enabling true hands-free operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional pedals are used, then the torch can be operated, but a loud pop sound is produced during ignition and extinguishment
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to open the oxygen valve before the propane valve during ignition. This preliminary introduction of oxygen creates a ready oxidizing environment that allows for a quieter, more controlled flame ignition, eliminating the loud pop sound associated with traditional simultaneous or propane-first ignition sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism converts what would normally be a harmful loud pop sound into a beneficial quiet operation by reversing the traditional ignition sequence. By introducing oxygen first and then propane, the system transforms a potentially dangerous rapid combustion event into a controlled, quiet flame establishment.
4Ease of operation
If the bracket angles are adjusted for quiet ignition, then the pop sound is eliminated, but the valve timing sequence must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket employs asymmetric hole angles for oxygen and propane, with each hole positioned at a different angle relative to the pedal pressing direction. This asymmetric geometry naturally creates the desired timing sequence where oxygen opens before propane, achieving quiet operation through inherent geometric design rather than requiring precision mechanical timing mechanisms.
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, quiet, and hands-free regulation of the torch flame size and intensity, allowing users to handle workpieces with both hands and eliminating the loud ignition sound, while accommodating various user positions for operation.
Implementation Method 1
connecting that bracket to mini ball valves rated for propane and one mini ball valve rated for oxygen
Implementation Method 2
By angling the bracket to open the oxygen valve first and the propane valve second, the pedal starts quietly because the oxygen reduces the intensity of the propane-fueled flame
Implementation Method 3
This construction allows the user to regulate, hands-free, the size and intensity of the torch flame by increasing and decreasing pressure on the flame control plate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that regulates the size and intensity of a torch flame by controlling the release of oxygen and a fuel, such as propane. The apparatus releases oxygen and fuel by pivoting a flame control plate that opens and closes mini ball valves using a mini ball connecting bracket. The further forward the plate is pivoted, the more open the valves become increasing the size and intensity of the torch flame. Slotted holes at different angles on the mini ball valve connecting bracket cause the apparatus to release oxygen first resulting in a quiet flame ignition and to release oxygen last to blow out the last flow of fuel, resulting in a safe operation.