Flame Producing Assembly Simplified Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility lighters with extended wands are complex to manufacture due to multiple internal components, making them difficult to assemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A flame producing assembly featuring a pocket lighter connected to a sub-unit assembly comprising an extended wand, a rigid support, and a helical spring, where the helical spring extends along the longitudinal inner opening of the rigid support, facilitating easier assembly and reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple internal components are used in the extended wand to ignite the flame, then the flame can be ignited away from the user's fingers, but the assembly complexity increases during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (rigid support, helical spring, extended wand) into a single integrated assembly that forms the sub-unit. This integration maintains the safety function of directing flame away from the user while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables snap-fit assembly, and contributes to the structural integrity of the extended wand. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall assembly.
2Length of moving object
If several components are located inside the extended wand, then the flame can be ignited at a distance, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighter into two main segments: the pocket lighter and the sub-unit assembly (containing the extended wand). This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each component separately, while maintaining the extended ignition distance through the modular sub-unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support and helical spring are nested within the extended wand structure, with the helical spring positioned inside the longitudinal inner opening of the rigid support. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are used in the sub-unit assembly, then the flame can be directed away from the user, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-unit assembly is pre-assembled with the rigid support, helical spring, and extended wand configured in their final positions before attachment to the pocket lighter. This preliminary assembly reduces the number of steps required during final assembly, improving production efficiency while maintaining the flame direction control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical spring is designed to automatically engage with the rigid support through elastic deformation, creating a self-assembling mechanism that requires minimal manual intervention. This self-service feature speeds up the assembly process while ensuring proper positioning of components for flame direction control.
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 proposed design simplifies the manufacturing process of utility lighters by reducing component complexity and enabling a snap-fit assembly, making large-scale production more efficient and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the pocket lighter includes a piezoelectric ignition device
Implementation Method 2
the helical spring comprises a material having electrical properties allowing the conveyance of the electric charge produced by the piezoelectric ignition device
Implementation Method 3
the gas being released from the reservoir can thus pass through the helical spring
Data Source
AI summary
A flame producing assembly includes a pocket lighter, an extended wand, a rigid support, and a helical spring. The pocket lighter extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a length. The pocket lighter includes a piezoelectric ignition device operable to produce an electric charge. The extended wand is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric ignition device. The rigid support is disposed inside the extended wand and includes a longitudinal inner opening. The helical spring extends along the longitudinal inner opening and protrudes beyond a free end of the rigid support. The free end is opposite a connecting end that is proximate to the pocket lighter.