Replaceable Flame-Coloring Insert for Torch Lighters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld lighters lack unique features and are limited to producing flames of colors determined by the fuel used, with no option to change the flame color without altering the fuel composition.
Innovation Solution
A portable handheld torch lighter with a replaceable flame-coloring insert treated with a flame colorant, such as strontium or other chemical compounds, which can be inserted into the lighter to produce colored flames by heating, allowing control over the color hue and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fuel is used in handheld lighters, then the lighter is simple and easy to operate, but the flame color is limited to blue or yellow only
Solution Approach 1:
The lighter is divided into two functional parts: the main body that contains the fuel reservoir and ignition system, and a separate insert that contains the flame colorant. This segmentation allows the flame coloration feature to be added without redesigning the entire lighter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A metal insert acts as an intermediary component between the fuel flame and the user's view. The insert contains colorant protrusions that when heated by the flame, produce colored light that passes through the insert body, thereby changing the perceived flame color without altering the fuel itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flame colorants are added to the fuel, then colored flames can be produced, but the fuel composition must be altered which affects reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The flame colorant is extracted from the fuel system and placed into a separate insert component. This allows the fuel to maintain its original reliable combustion characteristics while the colorant is delivered separately through the insert that is heated by the flame and releases color in the flame path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a replaceable insert is added to enable flame coloring, then flame color options increase, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced. This allows users to switch between different colorants without retaining complex mechanisms, keeping the overall device relatively simple while enabling versatility through consumable inserts.
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 the production of unique colored flames, enhancing the lighter's features, aiding in visibility and identification, particularly in media applications and varying light conditions, without requiring changes to the fuel type or adding additives.
Implementation Method 1
the insert body treated with a flame colorant positioned in the flame path for coloring the flame when heated
Implementation Method 2
the colorant in the protrusions can be any substance capable of coloring a flame and with which the insert body can be treated... the colorant in the protrusions will burn for an amount of time corresponding to the amount of colorant integrated with the element
Data Source
AI summary
A lighter includes (a) a lighter body for storing fuel; (b) a lighter head extending upwardly from the lighter body to an outlet of the head for directing flow of the fuel toward the outlet; (c) an integrated ignition system for selectively releasing and igniting the fuel to produce a flame projecting along a flame path from the outlet; and (d) a replaceable flame-coloring insert including an insert body removably mounted to the lighter head adjacent the outlet. The insert body treated with a flame colorant positioned in the flame path for coloring the flame when heated.