Concealed Childproof Lighter Ignition With Opposed Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing childproof lighters are easily discoverable by children due to conspicuous operation techniques, which are often observable and can be replicated by curious observers.
Innovation Solution
A childproof lighter design with a concealed safety button and ignition trigger arrangement, allowing operation with one hand, where the activation force for the safety button and ignition force are directed opposite to each other, ensuring the operation is not apparent to children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety switch is provided to prevent unauthorized operation, then child safety is improved, but the operation becomes more conspicuous and easier for children to discover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety button and ignition trigger into a single integrated operating mechanism. The safety button is positioned such that it must be pressed simultaneously with or immediately before the ignition trigger, merging the safety function with the ignition sequence. This integration makes the safety mechanism less conspicuous while maintaining its protective function, as children cannot easily distinguish the separate safety step from the normal ignition action.
2Reliability
If the safety button and ignition trigger are arranged to require two different fingers, then child safety is improved, but the operation becomes more difficult to conceal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring two separate fingers to press the safety button and ignition trigger at different times (which would be more concealable but easier for children to discover), the patent inverts the approach by positioning both controls to be operated by the same finger in a continuous motion. The safety button is placed such that the index finger naturally presses it while reaching for the ignition trigger, making the safety action invisible while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the safety button is made easily operable, then ease of use is improved, but child safety is reduced as children can more easily replicate the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the safety button relative to the ignition trigger, creating a specific hand orientation and finger placement requirement. The safety button is positioned at an angle and depth that requires the user's hand to be in a precise configuration, making the operation intuitive for adults but difficult for children to replicate. This asymmetric arrangement maintains ease of use for the intended user while preventing child access.
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 concealed safety button and ignition trigger arrangement effectively prevents unauthorized use by children, making it difficult for children to replicate the operation.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel ignition system may include a piezoelectric igniter compressible to generate a spark to ignite lighter fuel from the fuel reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A lighter has a safety button and an ignition trigger arranged on the lighter housing such that an activation force required to move the safety button to an activate position and an ignition force required to move the ignition trigger in an ignition direction are directed opposite to one another. The safety button is arranged on the housing for contact by the purlicue of the user's hand and the trigger is arranged on the housing for contact by a finger of the hand. Consequently, operation of the safety button is concealed during use, and the lighter is operable using only one hand.