Torch Snuffer Sleeve with Movable Weight for Automatic Flame Extinguishing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid fueled torches lack a reliable mechanism to automatically extinguish the flame when tipped over, posing a risk of uncontrolled burning and potential fires.
Innovation Solution
A liquid fueled torch design featuring a snuffer sleeve that biases towards a raised position when the flame bowl is tilted beyond a certain angle, using a spring and movable weights to shield the wick and extinguish the flame, with additional features like a removable cap and grate to maintain the snuffer in a lowered position when upright.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snuffer mechanism is added to automatically extinguish the flame when tipped over, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snuffer mechanism is designed to automatically detect when the torch is tipped over and extinguish the flame without requiring external intervention. The biasing member and movable weight work together to sense the tilt condition and trigger the snuffer sleeve to shield the wick, enabling the system to protect itself automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable weight is incorporated into the snuffer mechanism that shifts position based on the torch orientation. When the torch is upright, the weight remains in position to allow the snuffer to stay lowered. When tilted, gravity causes the weight to move, releasing the snuffer sleeve to extend and shield the wick, thereby using gravitational force to trigger the safety mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If a biasing member and movable weight are incorporated into the snuffer mechanism, then automatic flame extinguishing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member and movable weight are designed to work together as a self-regulating system. The biasing member provides continuous force to keep the snuffer in its default lowered position, while the movable weight responds automatically to gravitational changes when the torch is tilted, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable weight is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The entire snuffer mechanism uses basic mechanical elements that are cost-effective to produce and assemble, making the automated safety feature economically viable.
3Reliability
If the snuffer sleeve is designed to extend and shield the wick when tilted, then flame extinguishing reliability is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled burning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The snuffer mechanism is pre-configured to automatically counteract the harmful effect of uncontrolled burning before it can occur. When the torch is tipped over, the movable weight shifts position, releasing the snuffer sleeve to extend and shield the wick, thereby preventing the flame from continuing to burn uncontrolled.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational force that causes the torch to tip over is converted into a beneficial trigger mechanism. The movement of the movable weight under gravity's influence is used to activate the snuffer sleeve, transforming the harmful tilting action into the signal that initiates the flame extinguishing process.
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
Effectively extinguishes the flame upon tilting, preventing uncontrolled burning and enhancing safety by automatically shutting off the fuel supply when the torch is tipped, reducing the risk of fires and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the snuffer toward the raised position
Implementation Method 2
When the flame bowl is in an upright position, the wick holder is retained by gravity in the lowered position
Implementation Method 3
The detached weight moves away from the shelf allowing the snuffer to extend when the flame bowl departs from the upright position
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a flame bowl with a snuffer sleeve situated therein. The snuffer sleeve has a lowered position allowing a wick to burn freely and a raised position wherein the sleeve impedes oxygen flow to the wick, the snuffer sleeve being biased toward the raised position. A shelf extends from the snuffer sleeve to receive a movable weight that rests on the shelf when the flame bowl is upright and the snuffer sleeve is moved to the lowered position. The movable weight retains the snuffer sleeve in the lowered position while the flame bowl remains upright but moves to allow the snuffer sleeve to extend to the raised position when the flame bowl departs from the upright position more than a predetermined amount.