Candle Holder Closure System with Impact-Activated Trigger Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Candles pose a significant fire hazard due to human error and instability, leading to increased risks during use, especially in home settings, as existing solutions do not effectively address the issue of automatic flame extinguishment upon overturning or impact.
Innovation Solution
A fire safety closure system for candle holders that includes first and second closure halves with a trigger pin mechanism, a sleeve with impact legs, and a spring biasing system, which automatically snaps shut when the candle holder is tipped or struck, preventing the flame from spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If candles are placed in containers to improve stability, then fire safety is improved, but the ability to detect overturning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the closure system with trigger pin and catch) that mediates between the candle container and the external environment. When the container is overturned, the closure mechanism automatically detects this change in orientation and responds by closing to extinguish the flame, thus solving both the safety and detection problems simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is designed to be self-activating based on the physical state of the container. The trigger pin and catch system automatically responds to overturning without requiring external sensors or power sources, allowing the system to detect and respond to its own state changes through pure mechanical means
2Reliability
If manual wick cutters are inserted into candles, then fire safety is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the manual wick-cutting operation into a self-service system. The closure mechanism with its trigger pin and catch automatically performs the fire safety function without requiring the user to remember or manually operate any components, eliminating the need for continuous user attention while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If timed lid closers are used, then fire safety is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex timer-based mechanical system with a simpler gravity and impact-responsive mechanical system. The trigger pin and catch mechanism responds directly to physical disturbances (overturning, knocking) through gravitational force and impact, eliminating the need for timers, batteries, or complex control circuits while achieving automatic closure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the activation parameter from time-based (timed closers) to physics-based (gravity and impact response). By using the trigger pin-catch mechanism that responds to changes in orientation and physical disturbance, the system achieves automatic closure with a simpler design that leverages fundamental physical parameters rather than complex timing mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system operates without user attention, effectively preventing inadvertent fires by ensuring the candle flame is extinguished upon tipping or impact, thereby reducing the risk of fire damage and injury.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased to remain open until knocked or tipped on its side
Implementation Method 2
a sleeve with impact legs, which automatically snaps shut when the candle holder is tipped or struck
Data Source
AI summary
A fire safety system to prevent fire from a candle includes first and second closure halves, each having catches extending therefrom; a catch receiver holder for engaging the catches; a candle holder adapted to receive the candle; a pivot pin running through pivot holes in the closure halves; and a sleeve housing the closure halves.