Electric Candle Flame Simulation via Water-Driven Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electric candle devices struggle to create a realistic and dynamic visual effect of flames while avoiding the complexities and costs associated with electromagnetic drive mechanisms and water sealing, and they often lack a simple and cost-effective solution for simulating the movement and illumination of flames.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a cylindrical shell with a removable upper cover and a pivot-mounted candle flame simulating object, a Light Emitting Diode lamp positioned to emit light at an elevation angle, and a water stirring device to create fluctuations in the water, allowing the candle flame simulating object to swing and produce a dynamic visual effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If electromagnetic drive mechanism is used to simulate dynamic flame, then the visual effect is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to waterproof sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame visual effectVSAvoidwaterproof sealing design
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flame simulation function from the water-containing structure by using a separate transparent flame simulating object that does not require waterproofing. The water stirring device operates independently in the water chamber, while the flame simulation occurs in the air above the water level, eliminating the need for electromagnetic drive mechanisms and waterproof sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transparent flame simulating object as an intermediary element that visually connects the water movement to the flame effect. This object is stirred by water flow without requiring electromagnetic actuators, and its transparency allows the light to pass through and create the flame illusion without needing complex sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If flame-shaped electric bulbs are used to simulate dynamic flames, then the illumination is improved, but the appearance realism is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination of dynamic flamesVSAvoidappearance of flames
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the flame simulating object dynamic by allowing it to be stirred and moved by the water flow from the water stirring device. This dynamic movement of the transparent object, combined with the lighting, creates a realistic flame appearance that changes and flickers naturally, unlike static flame-shaped bulbs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses lighting effects on the transparent flame simulating object to create the visual appearance of flame colors. The light source illuminates the transparent object from behind or within, creating the illusion of flame colors and brightness variations as the object moves with the water flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Illumination intensity

If complex electromagnetic drive mechanisms are used, then the flame simulation is improved, but the fabrication cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame simulation qualityVSAvoidfabrication cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a water stirring device that uses water flow itself to stir and move the flame simulating object, rather than requiring separate electromagnetic drive mechanisms. The water circulation system serves dual purposes: cooling/light reflection and flame simulation actuation, eliminating the need for additional expensive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic principles by employing water flow to directly drive the movement of the flame simulating object. The water circulation system creates flow that stirs the transparent object, providing a simple and inexpensive mechanism for achieving dynamic flame effects without complex electromagnetic actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This approach achieves a realistic and dynamic flame visual effect with a simple structure and low fabrication cost, overcoming the limitations of prior art by using a combination of LED lighting and water movement to simulate the appearance and movement of flames.

Implementation Method 1

starting the water stirring device, to allow a stream of water to shoot out from a water outlet of the water stirring device and to generate fluctuations on the water filled in the shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater movement:

Implementation Method 2

installing a Light Emitting Diode lamp on a vertical wall of the holder and located at the lower front of one lateral plane of the head part of the candle flame simulating object, such that the light rays of the Light Emitting Diode lamp upwardly and obliquely emits to said lateral plane of the head part of the candle flame simulating object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3096075B1Method and device for realizing electric candle flame with dynamic visual effect
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 SHENZHEN XING RISHENG INDAL
  • EP3096075B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3096075B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3096075B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method and device for realizing an electric candle flame with a dynamic visual effect. The device comprises a shell (11), an upper cover (13), a first or second candle flame simulacrum (15, 25), an Light Emitting Diode lamp (14), a pivot shaft (16), a candle flame simulacrum seat (17) and a water stirring device (18); the candle flame simulacrum seat (17) is cylindrical and fixed at the center of the upper cover (13), and the candle flame simulacrum (15, 25) is arranged in the candle flame simulacrum seat (17) in a swinging mode in the vertical surface by the aid of the pivot shaft (16); the Light Emitting Diode lamp (14) is arranged on the upright wall of the candle flame simulacrum seat (17) and located under and in front of one side plane of the candle flame simulacrum (15, 25), and the light rays of the Light Emitting Diode lamp (14) are upwardly and obliquely emitted to the plane of the candle flame simulacrum (15, 25) at an elevation angle β; water is stored in the lower part of the shell (11), and the water stirring device (18) is arranged therein. By means of the electric candle device, the flame is dynamic and vivid; the device is simple in structure and low in production cost.