Variable Valve Retrofit for Audio-Synchronized Fire Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire devices with industry standard valves generate flames at consistent heights, sizes, and shapes, lacking the ability to produce varying fire outputs in response to audio inputs.
Innovation Solution
The fire device is retrofitted with a variable valve that can be actuated in response to audio inputs, allowing for control of fire output and coordination with audio signals, such as music.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-stage valve is used to control fuel flow, then the valve structure is simple and reliable, but the flame output cannot be varied in response to audio inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel control system is divided into two independent valve components: a two-stage valve for basic fuel flow control and a variable valve for continuous modulation. This segmentation allows each valve to perform its specialized function while maintaining overall system reliability and enabling audio-responsive fire output variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable valve is designed to serve multiple functions: it can modulate fuel flow in response to audio inputs for entertainment effects, maintain consistent flame output for traditional operation, and work in conjunction with the two-stage valve to provide both safety control and dynamic adjustment capabilities in a single system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable valve is added to enable audio-responsive control, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable valve introduces dynamic control capability to the previously static two-stage valve system. The variable valve can continuously adjust its opening position based on audio signal amplitude, enabling the fire device to dynamically respond to music and entertainment inputs while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable valve acts as an intermediary component between the audio input system and the fuel source. It translates audio signals into corresponding fuel flow adjustments without requiring complex direct control mechanisms, thereby adding audio-responsive functionality while keeping the control system architecture relatively simple.
3Productivity
If the two-stage valve is actuated to the second stage, then gas flows through the main gas channel for fire generation, but the flame size remains consistent and cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The variable valve creates a feedback-controlled fuel delivery system where audio signal amplitude directly influences fuel flow rate. The system automatically adjusts the valve position based on real-time audio input, eliminating the need for manual intervention to vary flame size while maintaining consistent operation for traditional modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel control system performs self-adjustment based on audio inputs without requiring external manual control. The variable valve automatically modulates fuel flow in response to audio signal variations, enabling the fire device to autonomously produce varying flame outputs that synchronize with entertainment inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a fire device. In one example, a method for control of a fire device includes receiving a wireless input selecting a first mode, actuating a two-stage valve included in the fire device to open to a second stage, via a first control signal, to flow gas through a main gas channel, actuating a variable valve positioned on the main gas channel downstream of the two-stage valve to open to a first position, via the first control signal, to flow gas through the main gas channel, and receiving a second wireless input to adjust the variable valve responsive to an audio input.