Colored Lens LED Simulating Blackened Wick in Flameless Candles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED flameless candles lack realism when not operating, as concealed LEDs within a flamecap or exposed LEDs without a flamecap do not convincingly simulate a traditional candle wick, and prior designs fail to address this deficiency effectively.
Innovation Solution
A colored lens LED is mounted on an internal housing within an artificial candle shell, positioned below the top lip to create the appearance of a blackened wick when not operating, with a concave shape to redirect light and enhance illumination, and can be used with various power sources and control features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the LED is concealed within a flamecap, then the device is protected and has a compact structure, but the non-illuminated flame shaped cap does not have the appearance of a real candle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change by using a colored lens on the LED that appears black when not illuminated and transitions to emitting light when operational. This creates the visual effect of a blackened wick in the non-operational state, resolving the contradiction between having a compact concealed structure and maintaining realistic appearance.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple exposed LEDs are used, then the illumination effect is enhanced, but the configuration does not appear realistic when the candle is not operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a colored lens that changes appearance based on operational state - appearing black when off to simulate a blackened wick, and emitting light when on. This resolves the contradiction by providing both enhanced illumination when needed and realistic appearance when not operating.
3Shape
If the LED is positioned within the body of the flameless candle, then the appearance of a blackened wick is achieved when not operating, but the device does not appear realistic when the candle is operating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the LED with a colored lens above the shelf level, allowing it to appear as a blackened wick when not operating while still enabling realistic illumination when operational. The colored lens transitions from appearing black to emitting light, resolving the contradiction between appearance and illumination functionality.
4Shape
If a colored lens is used on the LED, then the appearance of a blackened wick is achieved when not operating, but there may be impairment of light output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects a colored lens with specific optical properties that appears black when not illuminated but allows sufficient light transmission when the LED is active. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both the visual effect of a blackened wick and adequate illumination output through careful selection of lens material and color properties.
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 provides a realistic simulation of a burning candle by appearing as a blackened wick when not operating and enhancing the ambience and illumination when operating, suitable for indoor and outdoor use with various candle shell materials.
Implementation Method 1
battery operated LED (light emitting diode) candles
Implementation Method 2
The LED lens cover would be made to fit snuggly over the shape of an LED... The colored LED lens cover can be attached in a variety of methods including but not limited to gluing, snap fit, and screw on attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A battery powered device simulating a traditional wick burning candle through the combined use of a colored lens LED, electronic circuit board and integrated chip to control the flicker pattern of the said LED. The battery compartment and electronic circuits are contained within an internal housing which is placed within the body of a simulated candle shell. The colored lens LED is extended through an opening in the upper portion of the candle shell. Switches to operate the said device are placed on the bottom base of the internal housing, which is exposed on the bottom of the candle. The colored lens of the LED is such that it is light enough not to significantly impair light performance while appearing black or almost black, effectively simulating a blackened wick, when not illuminated.