Winch-Driven Burner Assembly for Dynamic Flame Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative devices lack a lively and dynamic visual presentation, appearing artificial and static.

Innovation Solution

A decorative device featuring a controllable winch system that moves a burner with a real flame vertically, utilizing an elongated non-rigid element like an electrical cable or fuel hose, and a controller for synchronized flame movements, allowing for a more engaging display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a traditional decorative device with fixed lighting is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the visual presentation is artificial and static

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual presentation qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static decorative device into a dynamic system. The burner assembly is made movable through a winch mechanism that can raise and lower it, creating dynamic visual effects. The flame moves vertically in response to control signals, transforming the previously static illumination into a dynamic display that can change position and create lively visual presentations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lighting systems with a combustion-based flame system. Instead of using electric lights or LEDs to create decorative effects, the invention uses a real flame from a burner that can be moved vertically. This substitution of mechanical/electrical illumination with a thermal/combustion-based flame creates more natural and lively visual effects while maintaining controllable movement through the winch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If a movable flame system is implemented, then the visual presentation becomes lively and dynamic, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual presentation qualityVSAvoidwinch and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by making the electrical cable serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same cable that provides electrical power to the burner and igniter also serves as the mechanical connection for the winch mechanism to raise and lower the burner assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical linkages and simplifies the overall system structure despite the added movement capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the complex interactions between multiple components. It simultaneously controls the winch motor for vertical movement, the solenoid valve for gas flow regulation, and the igniter for flame initiation. This centralized control mediation simplifies the operation of the complex system by integrating multiple control functions into a single device that responds to control signals in a coordinated manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device creates a visually lively impression by moving a real flame up and down, enabling synchronized choreography with performances or environmental settings, enhancing aesthetic appeal in various spaces.

Implementation Method 1

A decorative device is disclosed which comprises at least one controllable winch (8) for unwinding and winding up an elongated non-rigid element (4), wherein the elongated non-rigid element (4) is connected at one end to a burner (11) and at the other end to the at least one winch (8), wherein the burner (11) can be moved down towards a floor and up away from the floor with the unwinding and winding up of the elongated non-rigid element (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The igniter is preferably designed as an electric arc igniter, piezoelectric igniter, glow igniter or pyrotechnic igniter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric Arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

The burner comprises a preferably controllable valve, an igniter and a fire space in which the flame can form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve: Valve

Implementation Method 4

The burner can have a fuel reservoir for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or another combustible liquid or gas, for example alcohols

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11761636B2Decorative device with flames that can be raised and lowered
Publication Date: 2023.09.19 TBF - PYROTEC
  • US11761636B2 patent drawing
  • US11761636B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A decorative device which includes at least one controllable winch (8) which is intended for unwinding and winding up an elongated non-rigid element (4), and the elongated non-rigid element (4) is connected to a respective burner (11) at one end (6) and to the at least one winch (8) at the other end (7), and the burner (11) can be moved down towards the floor (1) and up away from the floor (1) with the unwinding and winding up of the elongated non-rigid element (4), characterised in that the burner (11) can be ignited to generate a flame by means of an igniter via a controller (9) arranged outside the burner (11).