Electric Arc Candle Ignition With Motion-Activated Fan Extinguishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional candles require manual ignition and lack automatic extinguishing capabilities, posing safety hazards and limiting their versatility in various settings.
Innovation Solution
An automatic ignition and extinguishing candle system with motion-activated fan-based airflow, integrated sensors, and a microcontroller for manual, timed, and remote control operation, featuring electric arc ignition and conductive wicks for self-ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual ignition is used with matches or lighters, then the candle can be lit, but it poses fire hazards and requires user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ignition system (matches or lighters) with an electric arc ignition system. The electric arc lighter generates an electric discharge that directly ignites the wick, eliminating the need for manual intervention with flammable materials and reducing fire hazards associated with match usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The candle system performs self-ignition through the electric arc lighter mechanism. Once activated, the system automatically ignites the wick without requiring external matches or lighters, enabling the candle to light itself and reducing user involvement in the ignition process.
2Ease of operation
If traditional candles are used, then they provide light and ambiance, but they lack automatic extinguishing capabilities requiring constant monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual extinguishing action (blowing out or covering the flame) with an automated fan-based air blowing system. The fan directs airflow onto the flame to extinguish it automatically, eliminating the need for user monitoring and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The candle system performs self-extinguishing through the automated fan mechanism. When the predetermined time elapses or motion is detected, the system automatically activates the fan to blow out the flame, enabling the candle to extinguish itself without user involvement.
3Ease of operation
If electric arc lighter is added for automatic ignition, then ignition convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric arc lighter, fan-based air blower, and control circuitry into an integrated candle system. The microcontroller unit coordinates all components, merging multiple functions into a single unified device that maintains simplicity while providing advanced features.
Solution Approach 2:
The candle system serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, automatic ignition, timed extinguishing, motion-activated extinguishing, and remote control capability. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single universal candle system.
4Reliability
If motion sensor and automatic extinguishing are added, then safety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and extinguishing with automated sensor-based detection and fan-based air blowing. The motion sensor detects movement in the vicinity, and the control circuit automatically activates the fan to extinguish the flame, eliminating the need for constant user surveillance.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides continuous feedback about the environment around the candle. When motion is detected, this feedback triggers the control circuit to activate the fan, creating a closed-loop safety system that automatically responds to environmental conditions.
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
Enhances safety and convenience by providing automatic flame control, suitable for diverse environments and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric arc lighter with two electrodes is positioned adjacent to the wick
Implementation Method 2
A fan-based air blower is positioned to direct an airflow at the wick(s) for efficient flame extinguishing
Implementation Method 3
The candle further comprises a motion sensor configured to detect nearby motion and trigger the air blower to automatically extinguish the flame when necessary
Implementation Method 4
in the two-wick embodiment, the wicks are made of combustible and electrically conductive materials, allowing them to function as electrodes for arc generation
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic ignition and extinguishing candle comprising a candle body with one or two wicks, an electric arc lighter or arc generating circuit for ignition, a fan-based air blower for extinguishing, and a motion sensor for triggering the extinguishing. The single wick version utilizes an electric arc lighter with two electrodes positioned beside the wick, while the two-wick design employs wicks made of combustible and electrically conductive materials, allowing the wicks themselves to serve as electrodes for arc generation. The motion sensor detects nearby motion and activates the air blower to extinguish the flame. Additional features may include a microcontroller for overall control, manual ignition and timed extinguishing capabilities, remote control operation, sound and light sensors for automatic ignition, and specific wick structures and conductive coatings. This invention provides a safe, convenient, and automated way to control the ignition and extinguishing of candles.