Gas-Fired Heat-Shrinking Torch with Venturi Mixing and Auto Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-fired heat-shrinking torches are unsafe, inefficient, and require high operator skill due to lack of safety systems, poor gas-oxidizer mixing, and manual ignition, leading to potential gas leaks and noise.
Innovation Solution
A gas-fired heat-shrinking torch with a Venturi tube for efficient gas-oxidizer mixing, electric flow control, automatic shutdown, and controlled ignition using photocells and electrodes, along with safety sensors to prevent gas leaks and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual ignition is used, then the torch can be ignited, but the operator requires high degree of attention and it does not ensure safe use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual ignition (mechanical action of bringing a lighter to the discharge port) with an automatic electrical ignition system. The ignition device includes an electrical discharge source that automatically ignites the combustible gas when the valve is opened, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving both ease of operation and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The torch system performs ignition automatically without external assistance. When the operator opens the valve, the system self-ignites the gas through the electrical discharge mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and removing the safety risks associated with manual ignition procedures.
2Productivity
If poor mixing between combustible gas and oxidizer occurs, then the torch structure is simple, but combustion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mixing chamber as an intermediary component between the gas supply and discharge port. This chamber provides a dedicated space for thorough mixing of combustible gas and oxidizer before combustion, significantly improving combustion efficiency while adding only moderate complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles to achieve gas mixing. By controlling the flow dynamics and pressure differentials within the mixing chamber, the system accomplishes efficient mixing of gases without requiring complex mechanical mixing devices, thus improving combustion efficiency with minimal increase in system complexity.
3Temperature
If high pressure of combustible gas is used, then the torch provides sufficient heat, but it forms long and concentrated flames that force the operator to have high degree of manual skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flame structure by introducing the mixing chamber that distributes the combustible gas-oxidizer mixture more uniformly. This creates a more distributed and controllable flame pattern rather than a single concentrated high-temperature zone, making the torch easier to control while maintaining sufficient heat output for heat-shrinking operations.
4Reliability
If no safety shutdown system is provided, then the torch structure is simple, but it is not safe to use and may allow escape of oxidizing gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based safety shutdown system that continuously monitors the combustion state and gas flow conditions. When abnormal conditions are detected (such as flame failure or excessive gas pressure), the system automatically triggers the shutdown mechanism to close the valve and stop gas flow, preventing dangerous situations while adding reasonable complexity to ensure safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary safety measures including check valves and automatic shutdown mechanisms that prevent dangerous situations before they can develop. The system is designed with inherent safety features that automatically counteract potential hazards such as backflow or uncontrolled gas release, eliminating the need for complex operator intervention while ensuring safe operation.
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 torch achieves high combustion efficiency, safety, and ease of use with automatic shutdown and leak prevention, meeting workplace safety standards and reducing operator skill requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi tube for efficient gas-oxidizer mixing
Implementation Method 2
controlled ignition using photocells and electrodes
Implementation Method 3
controlled ignition using photocells and electrodes
Implementation Method 4
combustible gas-fired heat-shrinking torch for heat-sealing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A combustible gas-fired heat-shrinking torch (1) for heat-sealing, for example, sheets of tar strips and the like for waterproofing civil roofing, comprising means for dispensing at least one combustible gas which are provided with at least one discharge port (2) for the combustible gas and at least one flexible tubular element (3) which can be associated with at least one tank for supplying the combustible gas. The torch (1) comprises means (4) for mixing the combustible gas with at least one oxidizer taken within the group that includes air, oxygen and the like for the combustion of the combustible gas dispensed by the discharge port (2).