Butane Torch Lighter with Integrated Timer and Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for heating and cooling cannabis concentrates using a butane torch are inefficient and unsafe due to the need for separate timing devices, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, leading to potential overheating or underheating issues.

Innovation Solution

A butane torch lighter integrated with a timing device, igniter, and display that allows for precise control of heating and cooling cycles by counting fractions of seconds, enabling users to manage the flame duration and intensity through a trigger mechanism and reset switch, with a flame strength adjuster for customizable flame lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate stopwatch or timing device is used to time heating and cooling cycles, then timing function is provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to needing multiple pieces of equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidnumber of equipment pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the timing device with the lighter by integrating a microcontroller, timer circuitry, and display into the lighter's existing structure. The timing function is merged with the flame control mechanism, allowing both functions to be performed by a single integrated device rather than separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighter is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides flame generation for heating, timing for heating and cooling cycles, and display of timing information. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate stopwatch and simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate stopwatch is used for timing, then timing function is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to fumbling with additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming controlVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The timing controls are merged with the lighter's trigger mechanism. The user operates both the flame and timer through the same trigger, eliminating the need to handle separate timing equipment and improving operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual timing methods are used, then timing is possible, but productivity decreases due to inefficiency and potential for heating/cooling errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating control accuracyVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a display that provides visual feedback on the timing of heating and cooling cycles. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor the process in real-time, ensuring accurate temperature control and preventing overheating or underheating, thereby improving both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides a safe, quick, and effective method for heating and cooling cannabis concentrates, enhancing user control and safety by allowing precise timing of heating and cooling cycles, reducing the risk of overheating and improving the overall usability of cannabis products.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric igniter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

combustible fuel introduced into a reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11828464B1Lighter with timer
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 ANAND ADITYA P
  • US11828464B1 patent drawing
  • US11828464B1 patent drawing
  • US11828464B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hand-held torch-style lighter is in electrical communication with a timer capable of alerting a user to the length of time a lighter has been on. A waring alarm will activate if the lighter has been active for more than two minutes (2 min.).