Double-Cone Candle Shade Heat Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jar candles often experience 'tunneling' where subsequent burns only melt as far as the initial burn, requiring extended burn time to fully liquify the wax across the vessel, and pose safety risks due to open flames in proximity to pets and children.
Innovation Solution
A double-layered 'Candle Collar' that traps heat using a non-flammable exterior shell and reflective interior shell made of aluminum sheet metal, reducing burn time by 60% and enhancing safety by containing the flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional foil tent is used to cover the candle, then heat reflection is achieved, but the structure is temporary and less effective at heat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested double-cone structure where an inner cone is placed within an outer cone. The inner cone reflects heat upward onto the candle surface, while the outer cone reflects heat downward onto the wax pool. This nested arrangement creates multiple heat reflection pathways that work synergistically to achieve uniform heat distribution across the entire candle surface, eliminating tunneling more effectively than single-layer foil tents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material construction with each cone made from specific reflective materials optimized for thermal radiation. The inner and outer cones may use different material compositions or surface treatments to maximize heat reflection in different directions. This composite approach enhances overall heat distribution efficiency compared to simple aluminum foil, improving both the speed and reliability of candle setting.
2Productivity
If the candle is burned continuously to eliminate tunneling, then complete wax liquification is achieved, but safety risks increase due to prolonged open flame exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The Candle Collar is applied at the beginning of candle burning to prevent tunneling from occurring in the first place. By establishing even heat distribution from the start through its dual heat reflection mechanism, the device eliminates the need for extended continuous burning that would otherwise be required to achieve complete wax liquification. This preliminary intervention reduces the total burn time and consequently lowers safety risks associated with prolonged open flame exposure.
3Temperature
If a single-layer foil tent is used, then heat reflection is provided, but heat distribution uniformity and structural stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nested double-cone configuration provides superior heat distribution uniformity compared to single-layer tents. The inner cone focuses heat reflection onto the candle wick and upper surface, while the outer cone directs heat toward the wax pool edges. This multi-directional heat distribution approach ensures uniform temperature across the entire candle surface, preventing both tunneling and uneven melting that occur with single-layer constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional heat reflection approach (one layer reflecting heat in one primary direction) to a multi-dimensional approach with nested cones reflecting heat in multiple directions simultaneously. The inner cone addresses vertical heat distribution to the candle body, while the outer cone addresses radial heat distribution to the wax pool perimeter. This dimensional expansion of heat reflection geometry achieves superior thermal uniformity.
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 Candle Collar ensures even wax liquification across the candle vessel in significantly less time than traditional foil tents, while providing a safer burning experience by containing the flame and reducing the risk of open flame exposure.
Implementation Method 1
reflective interior shell made of aluminum sheet metal
Implementation Method 2
The interior shell is ideally made of two-ply aluminum sheet metal joined at a seam. The seam may be soldered, glued, or riveted. The main purpose of the interior shell is to reflect the candle flame's heat back to the candle.
Implementation Method 3
The exterior shell is an overlay in the shape of a conical frustum. It is ideally made of a non-flammable plastic resin compound. The main purpose of the exterior shell is to shield the environment from the heat of the candle flame.
Implementation Method 4
it must burn long enough for the wax to liquify across the width of the entire vessel
Implementation Method 5
The Candle Collar helps candles set significantly more quickly than tents improvised from aluminum foil or tin foil. Candles covered by the Candle Collar set in roughly 1/3 of the time required for candles covered by aluminum foil funnels.
Data Source
AI summary
A candle shade is adapted to fit securely atop a candle vessel. The shade assumes the form of a double conical frustum. An interior shell makes direct contact with the candle vessel. The interior shell reflects radiative heat back to the candle surface while allowing smoke and gases to vent upward. Ideally, it is constructed from aluminum sheet metal and includes a band near the lower opening for an airtight seal. An exterior shell encloses the interior shell. The exterior shell protects the outer environment from the heat of the flame, especially so that the shade can be handled safely. Insulation is aided by handles on the exterior shell. Spacers affixed to the interior shell also create an insulating air space between the interior and exterior shells. The double-cone candle shade reduces candle “set” time by 65%.