Flameless Candle Wick Positioning and Light Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flameless candles fail to realistically simulate a traditional burning candle due to issues such as a floating flame, inconsistent flame movement, irregular light patterns, and structural complexity that hinders light output, and the wiring used to simulate a wick is not strong enough to maintain the flame in a realistic position.
Innovation Solution
A flameless candle design featuring a flexible LED filament bulb with a wick-simulating element and a positioning holder that securely supports the bulb, along with a diffusive texture on the cover to scatter light and enhance realism, and a power supply structure integrated within the candle shell for control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flexible LED filament bulb is used to simulate the flame, then the light pattern and realism are improved, but the structural complexity increases and light output is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The LED filament bulb is segmented into multiple discrete LED elements arranged in a linear pattern, allowing each segment to contribute to the overall flame simulation while maintaining structural simplicity. The segmentation enables independent positioning and lighting control of each LED element.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED filament bulb is nested within the wick-simulating element, which itself is nested within the flame-simulating element. This nested arrangement allows the lighting component to be integrated into the structural components without adding external complexity, as each element serves multiple functions.
2Reliability
If wiring is used to simulate a wick, then the flame position can be maintained, but the wiring is not strong enough to maintain the flame in a realistic position
Solution Approach 1:
The wick-simulating element is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid support core with flexible wiring embedded within. This composite design provides both the structural strength needed to maintain flame position and the flexibility of traditional wicks, overcoming the weakness of pure wiring constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick-simulating element has different local properties: the upper portion near the flame has higher rigidity to maintain position stability, while the lower portion has increased flexibility for installation and adjustment. This gradient in local quality optimizes both position maintenance and structural adaptability.
3Illumination intensity
If a cover is used to encapsulate the LED filament bulb, then light scattering and realism are enhanced, but light output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with a translucent material that selectively scatters light wavelengths to simulate the color gradient of a real flame. The cover transitions from more transparent at the base to more opaque at the top, creating realistic flame appearance while allowing maximum light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover provides partial encapsulation rather than complete enclosure, leaving strategic openings or using a mesh structure that allows sufficient light output while providing enough scattering surface area to enhance realism. This partial action balances aesthetic requirements with light transmission needs.
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 design provides a more realistic simulation of a traditional candle flame by maintaining the flame's position and enhancing light distribution, while the integrated power supply and control mechanisms offer flexibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Flameless candles use an electric light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
An inner surface of the upper cover section may include a diffusive texture
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A simulated flame and wick device for use with a flameless candle and other devices requiring the appearance of a natural flame. A flame shaped housing, comprising an upper and lower cover, contains a flexible LED filament bulb, with the positive and negative leads passing through dedicated channels within a housing designed to have the appearance of a candle wick. The combination of the material used for the wick housing along with the positive and negative leads from the flexible LED filament bulb are designed to provide strength and flexibility to the wick component. In turn these leads pass through a positioning housing to orient the simulated flame and wick correctly when used with flameless candles and other devices. The simulated flame and wick along with the other components described are contained within the internal housing of a simulated candle shell or other appropriate device, thus simulating the appearance of a flame burning atop a blackened wick.