Reusable Candle Holder with Removable Inner Liner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional glass candle holders generate significant waste after a single use, pose safety risks due to hot wax and thermal shock, and require cumbersome cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A reusable candle holder design featuring a cylindrical shape with an inner liner that securely fits around the candle block, allowing easy removal and replacement of wax blocks, reducing waste and enhancing safety through a non-stick surface and secure locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If glass jars are used as candle holders, then the candles can be contained and burned, but the jars generate significant waste after single use and require cumbersome cleaning processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste generationVSAvoidcleaning process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The candle holder system is divided into two separable components: a reusable outer glass jar and a removable inner liner that contains the wax. After use, only the inner liner with wax residue needs to be removed and discarded, while the glass jar can be reused without extensive cleaning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the waste-generating component (inner liner) from the reusable component (glass jar), significantly reducing waste and simplifying the reuse process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the candle burns down to the end of the wick, then the wax is consumed, but the heat from the flame may crack the glass jar due to thermal shock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewax consumptionVSAvoidglass jar integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An inner liner is introduced as an intermediary component between the burning candle and the outer glass jar. This inner liner absorbs and insulates the thermal shock from the flame, preventing direct heat transfer to the glass jar that would cause cracking. The inner liner acts as a protective mediator, allowing the candle to burn completely while preserving the integrity of the reusable glass jar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the wax melts during burning, then the candle functions properly, but the hot liquid wax can cause skin burns and splash out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecandle burning functionVSAvoidskin burns
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inner liner serves as a protective intermediary between the hot liquid wax and the user. It contains the molten wax within its boundaries, preventing splashing onto the user's skin. The liner also provides a physical barrier that reduces the risk of burns during handling, while still allowing the candle to burn effectively. This mediator function resolves the contradiction by maintaining candle functionality while eliminating the harmful effects of hot wax.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of substance

If the candle holder is designed for reuse, then waste is reduced, but the wax residue must be removed from the jar

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste reductionVSAvoidwax removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the wax-containing component (inner liner) from the reusable container (glass jar). The inner liner is designed to be easily removable along with the solidified wax residue, while the glass jar remains clean and ready for reuse. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making wax removal simple and enabling jar reuse without extensive cleaning procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution significantly reduces waste generation, enhances user safety by preventing burns and glass damage, and simplifies the process of replacing scents or cleaning by allowing easy removal and reinsertion of wax blocks without the need for extensive cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

The inner liner provides a barrier between the candle block and the candle holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-stick surface: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Implementation Method 2

A flame is used to light the wick and burn the candle, which melts and vaporizes a small amount of the wax

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The candle illuminates and releases fragrances into a room when lit. A flame is used to light the wick and burn the candle, which melts and vaporizes a small amount of the wax

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

A flame is used to light the wick and burn the candle, which melts and vaporizes a small amount of the wax. After the wax is burned to the bottom of the candle holder or the scent is no longer enjoyed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11802690B2Reusable wax candle holder and methods
Publication Date: 2023.10.31 MIYAGI JONAH MR
  • US11802690B2 patent drawing
  • US11802690B2 patent drawing
  • US11802690B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A candle assembly includes a candle holder configured to hold a candle block. The candle holder has an opening, a wall and base. The wall is attached around the periphery of the base. The opening is positioned opposite the base. The base includes an aperture extending through the thickness of the base. An inner liner is placed in the candle holder and configured to fit tightly against the wall and to provide a watertight container for the candle block. The inner liner has an exposed portion across the aperture to define a button. A rim is attached to the wall opposite the base and configured to extend into the candle holder at least the thickness of the inner liner and to secure the inner liner within the candle holder.