Device for automatic flame management of candles
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202024106490
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-30
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
AREA OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an automated device for managing candle flames, which is able to securely grasp a candle and determine the inclination of the candle wick in order to correct the alignment of the wick, as well as to monitor the presence of insects near the flame of the wick in order to shield the flame and prevent the burning of the insect. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Throughout history, candles have played a multifaceted role that extends beyond mere illumination, becoming symbols of diverse cultural, religious, and practical contexts. Beyond their primary function of providing light, candles have adorned ceremonies, symbolized memories, and enlivened the atmosphere in homes and sacred spaces worldwide. From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, their flickering flames have served as beacons of hope, sources of comfort, and catalysts for reflection. Beyond their practical use, candles continue to evoke nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of familiarity, making them timeless companions of the human experience.
[0003] Traditional candle use involves manually lighting and managing the flame, which is cumbersome and can pose a safety risk if left unattended. Furthermore, factors such as air currents, insects, and the cleanliness of the candle opening can affect the stability and efficiency of the flame. Therefore, there is a need to develop a device that meets these requirements by providing a candle flame control system capable of automatically adjusting the flame's position, height, cleanliness, and protection.
[0004] EP3842509A1 discloses several candle wicks that can be inserted into a candle wax body (paraffin) such that, when lit, the wicks curl in a direction opposite to the curvature of an adjacent wick. For example, adjacent wicks of each wick curl in opposite directions relative to a bisecting central plane of the candle. This opposing curvature of the wicks upon lighting thus increases the diameter of the wax pool, which in turn increases the amount of fragrance released from the candle body.Although EP'509 provides a method for improving fragrance diffusion by using oppositely curling wicks, it lacks the comprehensive functionality offered by the present invention, which deals with numerous aspects of candle flame management, including adjusting the position and handle of the candle frame for stability, monitoring and regulating the flame height, and so on.
[0005] US20050239010A1 discloses a method and device for centering a candle wick to maintain the vertically centered position of a wick located in the cavity of a candle container throughout the wax casting and solidification process. The device comprises a centering device with an annular flange resting on the rim of the candle container and a support element extending transversely across the centering device, bisecting it and creating a pair of opposing openings. A wick retainer is located in the center of the support element, featuring a tapered notch into which the upper end of the wick can be inserted to hold the wick in place throughout the wax casting and solidification process.The candle container can be closed with the lid, leaving the centering device in place to trap the aromatic fragrances. The buyer can easily dispose of the wick centering device after removing the lid to light the glass candle. While the US'010 provides a device to maintain the vertically centered position of a wick, it lacks consideration for numerous aspects of candle flame management, including adjusting the position and handle of the candle frame for stability, monitoring and regulating the flame height, and so on.
[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for managing the candle flame, but these devices do not include means for adjusting the position and handle of the candle frame for stability, monitoring, and regulation of the flame height.
[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, the technology requires the development of a device that securely grips a candle and determines the inclination of the candle's wick in order to correct the wick's alignment, along with monitoring and adjusting the height of the candle flame, thereby optimizing the burning conditions for efficient and uniform illumination. OBJECTS OF INVENTION
[0008] The main objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0009] One objective of the present invention is to develop a device that securely grips a candle and determines the inclination of the candle wick in order to correct the alignment of the wick, together with monitoring the presence of insects near the flame of the wick in order to shield the flame in order to prevent the burning of the insect.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors and adjusts the height of the candle flame, thereby optimizing the burning conditions for efficient and uniform illumination.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that cleans the mouth of the candle in order to ensure an unobstructed airflow for efficient combustion and to minimize the accumulation of deposits that could impair flame stability.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that enables customizable light projection patterns around the candle flame, which are aesthetically pleasing and improve the ambience.
[0013] The aforementioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to an automated device for controlling the candle flame, which securely grips a candle and determines the inclination of the candle's wick in order to correct the wick's orientation together with monitoring and adjusting the height of the candle flame, thereby optimizing the burning conditions for efficient and uniform illumination.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated device for managing the candle flame comprises an inverted U-shaped extendable frame positioned above the mouthpiece of a candlestick, the candlestick holding a candle; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed above the frame to determine the thickness of the mouthpiece; a motorized drawer assembly installed in the frame to extend and retract the frame appropriately to grasp the mouthpiece within the frame; a laser sensor installed above the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit to monitor the height of the candle; and an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod installed above the frame to extend and position a motorized gripper configured with the rod near the wick of the candle.to grip the wick and correct its alignment, a PIR sensor installed above the frame to monitor the presence of insects near the wick flame, a telescopic pole installed above the frame to extend and position a flap configured with the pole near the flame to deploy a shield between the flame and the insect to prevent the insects from being burned.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a microphone installed above the frame to receive a user's voice command regarding the need for light in accordance with a design; an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod installed above the frame to extend and position a flap; a curved plate configured with a rod around the candle flame; a plurality of slots curved over the plate, each fitted with a motorized sliding cover and actuated by the microcontroller to open a specific number of slots to allow light to pass through the sloth in a manner to project the user-specific design nearby; and a plurality of suction cups installed around the inner circumference of the frame to grip the mouth section.a motorized ball joint installed between the rod and the flap, actuated by the microcontroller to impart a pivoting motion to the flap to deter insects; a microphone installed above the frame to receive a user's voice command regarding lighting the candle wick; an inverted L-shaped telescopic link installed above the flame to extend and position an igniter configured with the link to trigger the wick's combustion via the igniter; a velocity sensor installed above the frame to monitor the flap's oscillation speed; a dust sensor installed above the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit to determine the presence of a channel above the mouth section; a motorized curved sliding unit to enable wick lighting; a C-shaped element.which is configured with the sliding unit above the mouthpiece to clean the mouthpiece using a microfiber cloth attached to the element, an anemometer installed above the frame to monitor the wind speed nearby, and a battery connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.
[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it is obvious that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an automatic candle flame control device in a stowed state; and Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the proposed device in an extended state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.
[0020] In each embodiment described herein, the open terms “comprising”, “comprises” and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “with” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed expressions “consists substantially of”, “consists substantially of” and the like, or the respective closed expressions “consists of”, “consists of” and the like.
[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “ein”, “ein” and “die” refer to both the singular and the plural unless explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.
[0022] The present invention relates to an automated device for controlling the candle flame, which is able to securely grasp a candle and determine the inclination of the candle wick in order to correct the alignment of the wick, as well as to monitor the presence of insects near the flame of the wick in order to shield the flame and prevent the burning of the insect.
[0023] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an automatic candle flame management device in a stowed and an extended state, comprising an inverted U-shaped extendable frame 101 positioned above the mouth of a candlestick holding a candle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 installed above the frame 101, a laser sensor 103 installed above the frame 101, an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod 104 installed above the frame 101 and configured with a motorized gripper, a telescopic rod 105 installed above the frame 101 and configured with a flap, a microphone 106 installed above the frame 101, a curved plate 107 installed with the frame 101 and configured with a plurality of slots 108, and a plurality of suction cups 109 mounted on the frame 101 are installed,a detonator 110 configured with the frame 101, and a motorized drawer assembly 201 installed in the frame 101.
[0024] The device proposed here consists of an inverted U-shaped extendable frame 101, positioned above the mouth of a candlestick, the candlestick holding a candle. The frame 101 is constructed of lightweight and durable materials such as aluminum or plastic, ensuring easy installation and portability.
[0025] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is installed above the frame 101 to determine the thickness of the mouth area. The imaging unit 102 comprises an image acquisition arrangement with a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the mouth area, and the captured images are stored in the imaging unit 102's memory as optical data. The imaging unit 102 also includes a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, allowing the processor to process the optical data and extract the necessary data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and transmitted to an integrated microcontroller connected to the device.The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the thickness of the mouthpiece and accordingly actuates a motorized drawer assembly 201, which is installed in the frame 101, to extend and retract the frame 101 appropriately so that the mouthpiece is held in the frame 101.
[0026] The drawer assembly 201 comprises sliding racks and rails, such that the frame 101 is mounted above the racks, which are electronically controlled by the microcontroller to move along the rails. In this way, the microcontroller controls the drawer assembly 201. The drawer assembly 201 is driven by a DC motor, which is actuated by the microcontroller by supplying the necessary electrical current to the motor. The motor consists of a coil that converts the received electrical current into mechanical force by generating a magnetic field, so that the mechanical force provides the necessary energy for the racks to enable a sliding movement of the frame 101 for extending / retracting the frame 101 to grip the mouth section within the frame 101.In addition, several suction cups 109 (at least two suction cups) are attached to the inner circumference of the frame 101 to hold the mouth area securely.
[0027] A laser sensor 103 is installed above the frame 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to monitor the height of the candle. The laser sensor 103 consists of two main components: a laser diode that emits the laser beam and a photodiode that detects the reflected light. When the sensor 103 is activated by the microcontroller, the laser diode emits a short laser light pulse toward the candle. The light is reflected from the surface and returns to the sensor 103. The photodiode then detects this reflected light. By accurately measuring the time the laser pulse takes to travel to the target and back, the sensor 103 calculates the distance. The pattern of the received pulse is converted into an analog value, which is then converted into an electrical signal that is sent to the microcontroller.The microcontroller then processes the signal received from sensor 103 and thus monitors the height of the candle.
[0028] Based on monitoring the candle's height, the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod 104, mounted above the frame 101, to extend and position a motorized gripper. The gripper is configured with the rod 104 near the candle's wick. If the microcontroller, using the imaging unit 102, determines the wick's tilt, it actuates the gripper to grasp the wick and correct its orientation. The telescopic rod 104 is connected to a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and a piston, which work together to extend and retract the rod 104.
[0029] The pneumatic unit is controlled by the microcontroller. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow compressed air to flow from the compressor into the cylinder, building up pressure on the piston and pushing and extending it. The piston is connected to the rod 104, and due to the applied pressure, the rod 104 extends. Similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod 104 by closing the valve, causing the piston to retract. In this way, the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the rod 104 to position the gripper and actuate it for gripping and correcting the wick's alignment.
[0030] A PIR (passive infrared) sensor is installed above frame 101 to monitor the presence of insects near the wick flame. The PIR sensor is an electronic sensor that measures the infrared light emitted by insects. The sensor uses a pair of pyroelectric sensors to detect heat energy in the environment. These two sensors are positioned next to each other, and when the signal difference between the two sensors changes (when insects are near the candle), the sensor activates, and the microcontroller detects the presence of insects near the wick flame.In the event of insect detection, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic rod 105, which is installed above the frame 101, to extend and position a flap configured with the rod 105 near the flame in order to unfold a protective shield between the flame and the insect to prevent the insects from being burned.
[0031] The telescopic rod 105 is connected to a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves, and pistons that work together to extend and retract the rod 105. The pneumatic unit is operated by a microcontroller. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow compressed air to flow from the compressor into the cylinder. The compressed air exerts pressure against the piston, causing it to be pushed and extended. The piston is connected to the rod 105, and the pressure exerted by the piston extends the rod 105. Similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod 105 by closing the valve, causing the piston to retract. In this way, the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the flap to create a protective shield between the flame and the insect, preventing the insects from being burned.
[0032] A motorized ball joint is installed between the rod 105 and the flap. This joint, actuated by the microcontroller, causes the flap to pivot, deterring insects. The ball joint allows the flap to rotate 360 degrees, enabling it to turn at a desired angle. The ball joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked in a socket joint. The ball joint is capable of rotating 360 degrees within the socket, thus allowing the flap to pivot as required. The ball joint is driven by a DC motor, which is actuated by the microcontroller, giving the flap multidirectional movement to deter insects.
[0033] A microphone 106 is installed above the frame 101 to receive voice commands from a user regarding the request for light according to a design. The microphone 106 acts as a transducer, converting sound waves into an audio signal. The microphone 106 converts the user's input signal into an electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. Based on the user input, the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod, installed above the frame 101, to extend and position a curved plate 107, which is configured with the rod around the flame of the candle.
[0034] A number of slots 108 (at least two slots) are mounted above the plate 107, each equipped with a motorized sliding cover that is actuated by the microcontroller to open a specific number of slots 108. The motorized sliding covers consist of individual motors coupled to mechanisms for converting rotary motion into linear motion, such as racks and pinions or lead screws, and sliding plates. When activated by the microcontroller, the motors engage, setting the mechanism in motion and causing the sliding plates to move, thus opening or closing the slots 108 on the plate 107 according to the instructions. In this way, the number of open slots 108 can be precisely controlled, allowing the light projection around the candle flame to be individually adjusted.
[0035] A speed sensor is installed above frame 101 to monitor the flap's pivoting speed. The speed sensor used is preferably a Hall-effect sensor, which detects changes in the magnetic field around the oscillating flap. The sensor consists of a Hall-effect transducer and a magnet. When the flap oscillates, the magnet is set in motion, thus changing the magnetic field detected by the transducer. This change in the magnetic field generates a voltage signal proportional to the rotational speed, which is processed by the microcontroller. If the speed exceeds a predefined threshold, and there is a risk of the flame going out, the microcontroller makes appropriate adjustments to the ball joint to regulate the rotational speed, thereby maintaining flame stability and ensuring safe operation.
[0036] A microphone 106 is installed above the frame 101 to receive voice commands from a user regarding the lighting of the candle wick. The microphone 106 acts as a transducer, converting sound waves into audio signals. Upon receiving the user's input, the microphone 106 converts the input signal into an electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic element installed above the flame to extend and position an igniter 110 configured with the element, thus initiating the lighting of the wick via the igniter 110.
[0037] A dust sensor is installed above the frame 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to determine the presence of dust above the mouthpiece. The dust sensor operates on the principle of light scattering. It is an optical dust sensor that uses an optical scanning method to detect dust. The dust sensor contains a photosensor and an infrared light-emitting diode, also known as an infrared LED. The photosensor detects the reflected infrared LED rays that are reflected back by the dust particles above the mouthpiece. The reflected infrared LED rays are converted into an analog value, which is then converted into an electrical signal that is sent to the microcontroller.In this way, the microcontroller processes and detects the presence of dust above the mouthpiece, and in the event of dust detection, the microcontroller actuates a motorized, curved sliding unit to move a C-shaped element configured with the sliding unit above the mouthpiece in order to clean the mouthpiece using a microfiber cloth attached to the element.
[0038] An anemometer is installed above frame 101 to monitor the nearby wind speed. The anemometer used here is preferably an ultrasonic anemometer, consisting of several pairs of ultrasonic transmitters and receivers mounted on frame 101. These transmitters emit ultrasonic pulses that travel through the air to the corresponding receivers. The wind interacts with these pulses, causing them to be slightly slowed down or sped up depending on the wind speed and direction. By measuring the time the ultrasonic pulses take to travel between the transmitter and receiver, the anemometer, with the aid of the microcontroller, calculates the wind speed. If the measured intensity exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates rod 105 to extend and position the flap around the flame to prevent it from going out.
[0039] The device is connected to a battery to supply the electronically and electrically operated components, including the microcontroller, electrically operated sensors, motorized components, and the like, with the necessary energy. The battery in the device is preferably a lithium-ion battery, which is a rechargeable battery that recharges itself by drawing the required energy from an external energy source. The extracted energy is further stored in the battery in the form of chemical energy, which, when required by the device's components, releases the necessary energy in the form of electrical current to ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the device.
[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the inverted U-shaped extendable frame 101 is positioned over the mouth section of a candlestick, the candlestick being to house the candle. The imaging unit 102 is installed above the frame 101 to determine the thickness of the mouth section, and accordingly, the microcontroller actuates the motorized drawer assembly 201, which is installed in the frame 101, to allow the frame 101 to extend and retract accordingly in order to hold the mouth section within the frame 101. The laser sensor 103 is synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to monitor the height of the candle, whereupon the microcontroller actuates the inverted L-shaped telescopic rod 104 to extend and position the motorized gripper configured with the rod 104 near the candle wick in order to grasp the wick and correct its alignment.The PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor) monitors for the presence of insects near the wick flame. Upon detection, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic rod 105, mounted above the frame 101, to extend and position a flap near the flame. This flap, configured with the rod 105, creates a protective shield between the flame and the insect, preventing it from being burned. The microphone 106 is mounted above the frame 101 to receive voice commands from the user regarding light requests, as per a design. The velocity sensor is mounted above the frame 101 to monitor the flap's movement speed. If the monitored speed exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint to regulate the flap's movement speed and prevent the flame from going out.The dust sensor is installed above frame 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to detect the presence of dust above the mouthpiece. Upon dust detection, the microcontroller actuates the motorized, curved sliding unit to move the C-shaped element, configured with the sliding unit above the mouthpiece, to clean the mouthpiece using a microfiber cloth attached to the element. The anemometer is installed above frame 101 to monitor nearby wind speed. If the measured intensity exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates rod 105 to extend and position the flap around the flame to prevent it from going out.
[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will be obvious to the person skilled in the art by reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] EP 3842509A1
[0004] US 20050239010A1
[0005]
Claims
[1] An automated device for managing the candle flame, comprising: i) an inverted U-shaped extendable frame 101 disposed over the opening portion of a candlestick, the candlestick accommodating a candle; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 installed above the frame 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the mouthpiece, wherein a microcontroller connected to the processor determines the thickness of the mouthpiece based on the captured images and accordingly actuates a motorized drawer assembly 201 installed in the frame 101 to extend and retract the frame 101 as appropriate to grip the mouthpiece of the stand within the frame 101; iii) a laser sensor 103 installed above the frame 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to monitor the height of the candle, whereupon the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod 104 installed above the frame 101 to extend and position a motorized gripper configured with the rod 104 near the wick of the candle, wherein, in the event that the microcontroller detects, by means of the imaging unit 102, a tilt of the wick, the microcontroller actuates the gripper to grip the wick and correct its alignment; iv) a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor installed above the frame 101 to monitor the presence of insects near the flame of the wick, wherein, in the event of detection of the insects, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic rod 105 installed above the frame 101 to extend and position a flap configured with the rod 105 near the flame to deploy a protective shield between the flame and the insects to prevent the insects from burning; v) a microphone 106 installed above the frame 101 to receive a user's voice command regarding the need for light in accordance with a design, wherein the microcontroller, based on the user input, actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic rod installed above the frame 101 to extend and position a curved plate 107 configured with the rod around the flame of the candle; and vi) a plurality of slits 108 curved across the plate 107, each installed with a motorized sliding cover and actuated by the microcontroller to open a specific number of slits 108 to allow the passage of light through the slit 108 in a manner to project the user-specific design nearby. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of suction cups 109 are installed over the inner periphery of the frame 101 to securely grip the mouth area. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein a motorized ball joint is installed between the rod 105 and the flap, which is actuated by the microcontroller to cause the flap to pivot to deter the insects. [4] Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a speed sensor is installed above the frame 101 to monitor the swing speed of the flap, and when the monitored speed exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint to regulate the swing speed of the flap to prevent the risk of flame extinguishment. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein the microphone 106 is installed above the frame 101 to receive a user's voice command regarding lighting the wick of the candle, whereupon the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic member installed above the flame to extend and position an igniter 110 configured with the member to initiate burning of the wick via the igniter 110. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein a dust sensor is installed above the frame 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to determine the presence of a channel above the mouth portion, and upon detection of the dust, the microcontroller actuates the motorized curved sliding unit to slide a C-shaped member configured with the sliding unit above the mouth portion to clean the mouth portion with the aid of a microfiber cloth mounted in the member. [7] The device of claim 1, wherein an anemometer is installed above the frame 101 to monitor the wind speed in the vicinity, and when the monitored speed exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the rod 105 to extend the damper and position it around the flame to prevent the flame from extinguishing. [8] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Candle wick assemblies with multiple oppositely curlable candle wicks and candles including the same
EP3842509A1
Candle wick centering device and method
US20050239010A1