Candle Wick Retainer Embedded in Fuel Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Candle assemblies often leave unused wax on the support structure, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and fragrance mixing issues when reusing the support structure with new wax elements, as previous methods to prevent flashover result in incomplete wax utilization.
Innovation Solution
A candle assembly design featuring a support plate with a semi-spherical depression to contain the fuel element, a wick retainer embedded within the fuel element, and a crimped conduit to ensure continuous fuel supply to the wick, preventing flashover while minimizing residual wax and allowing for efficient fragrance release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wick retainer is raised off the bottom wall to extinguish flame when molten wax drops below, then flashover is prevented, but unused wax remains on the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The wick retainer is extracted from the bottom wall and repositioned to engage with the lower surface of the fuel element. This allows the flame extinction mechanism to act on the fuel element itself rather than leaving residual wax on the support structure, thereby preventing flashover while eliminating unused wax.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick retainer serves as an intermediary component that transfers the flame extinction function from the support structure to the fuel element. By engaging the lower surface of the fuel element, it directly controls fuel supply termination, preventing both flashover and residual wax accumulation.
2Reliability
If the wick retainer is crimped tightly to prevent wick access to molten fuel, then flashover is prevented, but fuel consumption is inefficient and residual wax remains
Solution Approach 1:
The wick retainer is extracted from its traditional position and function, and repositioned to engage the lower surface of the fuel element. This allows complete fuel consumption through capillary action while preventing flashover, eliminating the need for tight crimping that wastes fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel element's lower surface engagement with the wick retainer creates a self-regulating system where capillary action naturally controls fuel supply to the wick. This eliminates the need for tight mechanical crimping, allowing complete fuel consumption without residual wax while maintaining flashover prevention.
3Reliability
If leftover wax remains on the support structure, then flashover prevention mechanisms are activated, but fragrance mixing occurs when reusing the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The wick retainer is extracted from the support structure and repositioned to engage the fuel element's lower surface. This removes the source of residual wax from the support structure, preventing fragrance mixing when the support structure is reused with different fuel elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick retainer acts as an intermediary that transfers the flame control function to the fuel element, preventing residual wax from remaining on the support structure. This eliminates the harmful effect of fragrance mixing while maintaining flashover prevention through direct fuel element engagement.
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 ensures complete fuel consumption and controlled fragrance release, preventing flashover and minimizing residual wax, allowing for a consistent burn time and easy refilling with different fragrances or colors, while maintaining a stable flame.
Implementation Method 1
The wick is made of capillary material and is adapted to deliver liquid fuel to the flame
Implementation Method 2
Heat from a flame at the wick is transferred to the heat conductive base, which in turn helps melt the wax fuel element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A candle assembly comprises a fuel element having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a channel extending through the fuel element from the first surface to the second surface. A support structure is adapted to support the first surface of the fuel element within a central portion of the support structure. A wick retainer has a flat portion with a centralized conduit extending outwardly from a top surface of the flat portion. A wick has a first end disposed within the wick retainer, wherein the wick and wick retainer are embedded in the fuel element prior to use such that a second end of the wick extends outwardly beyond the second surface of the fuel element.