Spring-Loaded Snuffer Mechanism for Torch Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid fueled torches lack effective safety features to quickly extinguish flames when the torch becomes unstable or overturns, posing a risk of uncontrolled burning.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded snuffer mechanism is integrated into the torch, where a sleeve extends beyond the wick holder when the torch tilts beyond a certain angle, using a coil spring and a free weight to ensure the snuffer sleeve moves from a retracted to an extended position, effectively smothering the flame by encasing the wick and starving it of oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional torch design without automatic extinguishing features is used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the safety reliability is poor when the torch overturns
Solution Approach 1:
The snuffer mechanism transitions from a static position to a dynamic one that responds to torch orientation. The spring-loaded sleeve automatically extends when the torch tilts beyond a predetermined angle, providing dynamic safety response without requiring complex electronic sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The torch automatically extinguishes itself when overturned through the spring-loaded snuffer mechanism that responds to gravitational force and torque. This self-service safety feature eliminates the need for external monitoring or manual intervention, achieving high reliability with relatively simple mechanical components.
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded snuffer mechanism is added to the torch, then the safety reliability improves by automatically extinguishing flames when tilted, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterbalancing force against the weight of the snuffer sleeve. When the torch is upright, the spring compresses and holds the sleeve retracted. When tilted, gravitational torque overcomes the spring force, extending the sleeve to extinguish the flame. This simple mechanical balance achieves reliable automatic safety response.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism serves as an intermediary between the torch's gravitational state and the snuffer's position. It translates the simple physical state of upright vs. tilted into the appropriate snuffer configuration, providing a reliable safety response that is mechanically simple to manufacture.
3Productivity
If the snuffer sleeve remains in the retracted position when upright, then the combustion efficiency is maintained, but the response time for flame extinguishment when overturned is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed during normal upright operation, storing potential energy ready for rapid deployment. When the torch tilts, this pre-stored energy is immediately released, causing the snuffer sleeve to extend quickly and extinguish the flame. This preliminary preparation eliminates response delay while maintaining combustion efficiency during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism operates in two distinct states: a stable retracted position during normal combustion and an extended position during overturning. The spring-loaded design enables rapid transition between these states, maintaining efficient combustion during the predominant upright period while ensuring quick safety response when needed.
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 ensures rapid flame extinguishment when the torch tilts, enhancing safety by automatically engaging the snuffer mechanism to prevent uncontrolled burning, even when the torch is tipped or overturned.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the snuffer sleeve toward the second raised position
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments include a free weight in the canister that bears down upon the flange when the canister is upright
Implementation Method 3
holding a wick in a position to draw fuel from the reservoir for combustion proximate the top cap
Data Source
AI summary
A device has a canister for attaching to a fuel container with a wick holder passing through the canister for holding a wick in a position to draw fuel from the reservoir for combustion proximate the top cap. A snuffer in the canister has a sleeve extendible from a first retracted position to a second extended position, the second extended position extending the sleeve partially beyond the wick holder. When the canister is upright the snuffer remains in the first lowered position and when the canister is tilted beyond a predetermined angle the spring moves the sleeve to the second extended position.