Candle Support With Flexible Links And Wick Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting multiple candles quickly and maintaining their positioning is challenging, as existing methods are tedious and risk burning the lighter's hand, and adjacent candles may be displaced during lighting, leading to uneven spacing.
Innovation Solution
A flexible link system connects candle holders with a fast-burning wick connector that allows for adjustable length and selective placement, enabling simultaneous lighting of multiple candles with a spike for secure cake placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional lighting methods are used for multiple candles, then each candle can be lit individually, but the process is tedious and time-consuming with risk of burning the lighter's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse is divided into multiple segments corresponding to each candle, with each segment capable of igniting one candle. This segmentation allows the lighting process to be broken down into discrete units that can be ignited sequentially or simultaneously, dramatically increasing lighting speed while keeping each segment simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse acts as an intermediary between the initial ignition source and the candle wicks. Instead of directly lighting each candle with a lighter, the fuse serves as an intermediate carrier that transfers the flame from a single ignition point to multiple candles, eliminating the need to repeatedly apply a lighter to each candle
2Area of stationary object
If candles are placed close together for compact arrangement, then space is saved, but adjacent candles may be moved out of position during lighting
Solution Approach 1:
Candle holders with spikes are inserted into the cake before the candles are placed. This preliminary action creates pre-established anchoring points that secure the candles in their designated positions, preventing them from being moved or displaced during the lighting process even when placed close together
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from the candle itself and transferred to a separate candle holder component. By removing the positioning responsibility from the candle and assigning it to the holder with the spike, the candle can remain stationary while the holder provides the anchoring mechanism that prevents displacement
3Loss of time
If candles are lit quickly to avoid melting, then wax runoff is minimized, but maintaining even spacing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into discrete units with dedicated spacing features. Each candle holder is an independent unit with predetermined spacing, allowing multiple candles to be positioned uniformly across the cake surface. This segmentation enables quick lighting while maintaining precision through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing parameter is standardized and built into the candle holder design. By changing the approach from manual positioning to using holders with fixed spacing parameters, the system achieves both speed and precision. The spacing becomes a controlled parameter defined by the holder geometry rather than by operator skill
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 allows for rapid and efficient lighting of multiple candles without displacing them, reducing the risk of burning and ensuring even spacing, while the adjustable design accommodates various candle configurations and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a fast-burning wick connector that allows for adjustable length and selective placement, enabling simultaneous lighting of multiple candles
Implementation Method 2
The link is flexible to allow selective placement of each of the candle holders
Implementation Method 3
each of the candle holders defines a spike on a bottom thereof for being inserted into a cake
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for use with a cake is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of candles and a plurality of candle holders. Each individually sized candle holder is configured for receiving one candle of the plurality of candles. A plurality of links are part of the assembly, and a link connects adjacent candle holders. The link is flexible to allow selective placement of each of the candle holders. A wick connector extends between wicks of adjacent candles. Lighting of the wick connector allows for the lit wick connector to extend to all of the plurality of candles to light the candles.