Electronic Candle Assembly 360-Degree Blowing Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically powered candles that can be switched on and off by blowing require specific directional blowing and do not resemble traditional candles, limiting their aesthetic appeal and usability in environments where real candles are unsafe or prohibited.
Innovation Solution
An electronic candle assembly with a control circuit that allows the light to be switched from an on mode to an off mode by a force applied from any direction, using a threshold circuit with a conductive attachment between a power source, a light, and a control element, enabling a 360-degree switching mechanism that mimics blowing out a candle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing electronically powered candles use aperture-based air-pressure switches or sound pipes, then the candle can be switched off by blowing, but the switching direction is limited and does not resemble traditional candles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from aperture-based switching (limited to specific directions) to a flexible membrane covering the entire light-emitting surface. This allows the membrane to respond to blowing forces from any direction (360 degrees), adding dimensional versatility to the switching mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the light-emitting surface, a switching actuator that responds to blowing forces, and a design element that mimics traditional candle flames. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms and apertures.
2Shape
If existing electronically powered candles use specific directional switching mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the aesthetic appeal and resemblance to traditional candles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective cover, the switching actuator, and the aesthetic flame representation into a single flexible membrane component. This consolidation improves the visual resemblance to traditional candles while actually reducing device complexity by eliminating separate switching mechanisms, apertures, and control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane automatically responds to blowing forces without requiring separate switching mechanisms or control systems. The membrane's physical deformation directly interrupts the electrical circuit, allowing the candle to switch off through its own structural response rather than through complex external control systems.
3Reliability
If existing electronically powered candles use aperture-based switching, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the usability in environments where real candles are unsafe deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aperture-based mechanical switching with a flexible membrane that covers the entire light-emitting surface. This substitution eliminates the need for precise aperture positioning while maintaining safety in restricted environments, as the membrane can be positioned precisely during assembly and provides comprehensive coverage.
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 solution provides a safer, aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional candles that can be used in various environments, allowing for safe and intuitive operation by switching the light off from any direction, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane that covers the light-emitting surface of the candle and that deforms in response to a blowing force
Implementation Method 2
the circuitry is interrupted and the light is switched from the on mode to the off mode
Data Source
AI summary
An electric candle assembly is disclosed comprising a body, a light, a power source conductively attached to a control element, control circuitry to control the conductivity between the power source and the light, the control circuitry comprises a threshold circuit to switch the light from an on mode to an off mode and the threshold circuit is configured to receive a force on the light from a gas whereby the force moves the light and moves the second threshold switch contact from an unflexed position to a flexed position and switches the light from the on mode to the off mode. In some embodiments the control element is an integrated circuit such as a 555 integrated circuit. Embodiments of methods to use the candle assembly are also disclosed.