Adjustable Coupling Mechanism for Interchangeable Lighter Reservoirs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighters with permanently attached fuel reservoirs are difficult to refill due to geometrical and structural differences between commercially available and non-commercially available gas and fuel reservoirs, making safe, easy, and inexpensive refilling challenging.

Innovation Solution

A lighter with an adjustable connecting device that can couple to different gas and fuel reservoirs of varying dimensions, allowing for easy, safe, and inexpensive refilling by accommodating different geometrical and structural variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lighter has a permanently attached fuel reservoir, then the lighter structure is simple and reliable, but the lighter cannot be refilled and usable parts are discarded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighter structure reliabilityVSAvoidrefillability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighter is divided into separable components: a reusable lighter body and interchangeable fuel reservoirs. The connecting device is also segmented into a first connecting element on the lighter and a second connecting element on the reservoir, allowing independent replacement of each component while maintaining overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighter body with its standardized connecting device is designed to be universal, capable of accepting multiple different fuel reservoir types (commercially available and non-commercially available). This multi-functionality enables the same lighter body to work with various reservoir geometries and dimensions through the adjustable connecting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the lighter uses commercially available fuel reservoirs, then refilling is inexpensive and accessible, but geometrical and structural differences make coupling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling cost and accessibilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different reservoir geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device incorporates adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different reservoir geometries. The first connecting element can be adjusted in position and orientation to accommodate varying dimensions of different fuel reservoir types, enabling universal compatibility while maintaining secure coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device allows for parameter adjustments including position, orientation, and potentially dimensional characteristics to match different reservoir specifications. This parameter variability enables the same connecting device to interface with multiple reservoir types having different geometrical and structural parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the lighter is designed for specific non-commercially available reservoirs, then coupling is precise and reliable, but refilling becomes expensive and less accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidrefilling cost and accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed with universal compatibility in mind, supporting both commercially available and non-commercially available reservoirs. This dual compatibility maintains precise coupling for specialized reservoirs while also enabling use with inexpensive, widely available commercial alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the lighter body and various reservoir types. It provides a standardized interface that adapts to different reservoir geometries, ensuring reliable coupling while enabling flexibility in reservoir selection for cost and accessibility reasons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the connecting device is made adjustable, then compatibility with different reservoirs is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different reservoir geometriesVSAvoidconnecting device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device may incorporate nested or telescoping elements that allow adjustment through compact mechanical structures. This nesting approach enables variability and adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as adjustments are achieved through integrated mechanical movements rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20230358401A1Lighter fueled by pocket lighter or gas reservoir

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 SOCIETE BIC SA

AI summary

A lighter comprises a housing having a nozzle, wherein the housing is adapted to receive a gas and/or fuel reservoir device. The lighter comprises a connecting device, wherein the connecting device is configured to couple the gas and/or fuel reservoir device to the nozzle. The connecting device is adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the lighter.