Electric lighting devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved electric candles and other lighting devices that effectively simulate the appearance and movement of real candle flames while maintaining various configurations and reducing the risk of the flame element falling or separating from the housing.
Innovation Solution
The electronic lighting device incorporates a flame element with a hollow interior and an arm that extends into the housing, allowing movement while being secured to prevent unintentional removal, using a combination of tabs, projections, and pins to suspend and stabilize the flame element, and can include a clip or support wire to simulate the movement of a real candle flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flame element is rigidly fixed to the housing, then stability is improved, but the ability to simulate real flame movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigid fixed connection to a flexible suspended connection. The flame element is hung from the housing using a support structure (wire, rod, or flexible element) that allows controlled movement. This dynamic suspension enables the flame element to move realistically while remaining stable during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between stability and movement simulation capability.
2Reliability
If the flame element is securely fixed to prevent removal, then reliability is improved, but ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into separate components: a support structure (wire, rod, or flexible element) and attachment features (loops, hooks, or receptacles). This segmented design allows the flame element to be securely held during normal use while enabling easy separation and replacement when needed, resolving the contradiction between prevention of unintentional removal and ease of replacement.
3Device complexity
If a simple suspension method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the flame element may fall or separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple functions into the support structure: suspension, stabilization, and secure attachment. The support structure (wire, rod, or flexible element) is integrated with attachment features (loops, hooks, or receptacles) to create a unified system that prevents falling while maintaining simplicity. This merged design resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable prevention of separation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.