Wednesday, 6th of September - Ring of fire!

How can we create a variable flame output to project a number of users at the same time, that is constantly progressive in its function and output? The bobbing candle is an excellent concept in connecting two users working together and quite literally burning the candle at both ends - though it is somewhat restricted in its user input by only allowing two people to interact with it. Considering the context for people working on projects collaboratively, it would do well to have the ability for more than 2 or 3 members of the collaborative team to have the power to achieve both input and output in the one device.

A simple geometric is needed to represent a variable amount of people, possibly through representing a percentage of the teams inputs. -

Move from bobbing candle to ring of fire

By using a ring of fire that utilizes approximately 20 flames, there is a lot more flexibility in how many people are able to collaborate at the same time. Also to make sure an even spread of distribution during operation, applying the flames as a percentage to represent the team members involved will mean all the flames are utilized regardless of how many people are collaborating. A ring also allows the for the minimum amount area used to how many flames can be produced.

In a normal situation, the principal of using the ring off a gas stove would suffice, although this application requires the individual ignition of each flame. For this reason it was decided the use of gas as an ignition source for the flames would be the best option. With the using gas with a combination of the requirement of needing each flame to be individually lit, each flame will need to be controlled using some kind of valve mechanism.

Simple electric solenoid actuator valve

Individual solenoid valves would work well, allowing us to control each gas line individually through the use of the Arduino circuit boards. Unfortunately due to the cost and size of solenoid valves, they have deemed to be an unsuitable to attempt to control each flame in a progressive state. The next best option was to look at mechanical valve options...

Section: Cigarette lighter gas release mechanism

The conventional cigarette lighter uses such a mechanism to release gas past a sparking flint to create instant flame/heat. The use of a similar mechanism to control the individual flames in the product would suit the application.

{Add sketch of how a cigarette light would fit inside the base}

Using this mechanism would cut costs substantially while allowing for a higher level of mechanical design freedom. However, would we be able to stretch the concept so far as to actually use the lighters as the gas supply as well???

The problem with this is that the gas supply/lighters and mechanism becomes a consumable object which needs replacing... How do we keep the mechanism but throw away the individual gas supply and stick with a universal supply????