Artificial Candle Flame Element Suspension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric candles lack improved designs that effectively simulate a real candle flame while ensuring secure and adjustable mounting of the flame element, leading to potential instability and reduced realism in the simulation.
Innovation Solution
The electronic lighting device incorporates a flame element with a hollow interior and an aperture, secured by a tab and a downward projection from the arm of the housing, allowing for adjustable and secure suspension, with optional features like pins and clips for additional stability, enabling movement that mimics a real candle flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flame element is securely mounted using rigid fixation methods, then the stability and reliability of the flame element is improved, but the ability to simulate natural flame movement and adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing the arm as a flexible component that can bend to allow flame element installation and removal. The arm extends into the flame element's aperture to provide suspension and stability during operation, while its flexible nature enables user-adjustability and easy replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between stable mounting and adjustability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flame element is made movable to simulate real candle flame, then the realism of the simulation is improved, but the risk of accidental removal or separation from the arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by having the arm extend into the hollow interior of the flame element through its aperture. This nested configuration allows the flame element to move freely for realistic simulation while the arm remains positioned inside to provide continuous support and prevent accidental removal, thus resolving the contradiction between movability and retention.
3Device complexity
If a simple mounting structure is used for the flame element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security and stability of the flame element mounting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the arm to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it suspends the flame element, allows for movement and adjustment, provides secure retention through its extension into the aperture, and enables easy installation and removal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate complex mounting mechanisms while maintaining mounting security.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
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.