Conductive Wick Auto-Ignition Unit for Candles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Candles require a separate ignition device for lighting, which can be inconvenient and poses a risk of burns, and there is no means to auto-ignite them without external assistance.
Innovation Solution
An auto-ignition unit for candles is developed, featuring a wick with a conductive material that can be ignited by an electric discharge, eliminating the need for external ignition sources and ensuring safety by allowing electric stimulation to ignite the candle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate ignition device (match, lighter) is used to light the candle, then the candle can be lit, but it causes inconvenience and poses a risk of burns
Solution Approach 1:
The candle wick is designed to ignite itself through an electric discharge mechanism embedded within it. The conductive material in the wick allows electric current to pass through, generating heat that automatically ignites the wick without requiring external ignition devices like matches or lighters. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate ignition tools and removes the burn risk associated with handling them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical ignition system (matches, lighters) with an electrical ignition system. By embedding conductive material in the wick and applying electric discharge, the ignition process transitions from mechanical intervention to electrical stimulation, thereby eliminating the need for separate ignition devices and reducing safety hazards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no ignition device is available, then the candle cannot be lit, but carrying ignition devices adds complexity and potential safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition function is merged with the candle wick itself. By embedding conductive material directly into the wick structure, the candle becomes a self-contained system that includes both the fuel source and the ignition mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate ignition devices, reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability to situations where external ignition tools are unavailable.
3Extent of automation
If the wick contains conductive material for electric ignition, then auto-ignition is achieved, but the wick structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wick is constructed as a composite material system combining traditional wick material with embedded conductive material. This composite structure allows the wick to maintain its capillary action properties for fuel transport while simultaneously providing electrical conductivity for auto-ignition. The integration of multiple material functions within a single component achieves automation without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 auto-ignition unit allows for safe and convenient lighting of candles without the need for separate ignition devices, as the conductive wick can be ignited by an electric discharge, ensuring reliable and consistent ignition.
Implementation Method 1
a wick containing a conductive material, wherein the wick is ignited by a discharge
Implementation Method 2
the wick is ignited by a discharge
Implementation Method 3
the melted candle rises upwardly along the wick by a capillary phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an auto-ignition unit for a candle including a wick containing a conductive material, wherein the wick is ignited by a discharge (electric discharge). Further, provided is a candle containing the auto-ignition unit for a candle to thereby be automatically ignited by an electric signal.