Flexible Support Arm in Flameless Candles for Realistic Flame Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flameless candles lack the ability to realistically simulate the movement and flickering of a real flame, which diminishes their aesthetic appeal and immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flame element with a flexible support arm made of materials like thermoplastic elastomer and an electromagnet system that induces movement, or a spring mechanism, to mimic the natural motion of a flame, combined with a light source that projects flickering light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used for the flame element, then the structural stability is improved, but the realism of flame simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed support structure to a flexible support arm that enables movement. The support arm is specifically designed with flexible materials to allow the flame element to move and flicker, thereby achieving realistic flame simulation while maintaining structural stability through the controlled flexibility of the support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements this principle by using a support arm made of flexible material that connects the flame element to the frame. This flexible support structure allows the flame element to move naturally, creating realistic flame-like motion while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the candle assembly.
2Reliability
If a flexible support arm is used for the flame element, then the realism of flame simulation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The Dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by creating a balanced flexible support system. The support arm is designed with specific flexibility characteristics that allow sufficient movement for realistic flame simulation while maintaining enough structural stability to hold the flame element in position and prevent excessive or uncontrolled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the flexibility parameters of the support arm material and structure. By carefully selecting and tuning the flexibility characteristics of the support arm, the design achieves an optimal balance between enabling realistic flame motion and maintaining structural stability.
3Reliability
If an electromagnet system is added to induce movement, then the flame simulation realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing a purely mechanical movement system with an electromagnet-based system. The electromagnet induces movement in the flame element through magnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, motors, or actuators, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving realistic flame simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet system allows for parameter changes in the movement characteristics of the flame element by adjusting electrical parameters such as current, frequency, and pulse width. This provides precise control over the flame simulation realism without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 creates a more lifelike simulation of a flame, enhancing the aesthetic experience by replicating the movement and flickering effects of a real flame, thereby improving the visual appeal of flameless candles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet magnetically coupled to the magnet, wherein the electromagnet causes the magnet to move, thereby causing the mechanical force received by the flame element
Implementation Method 2
the at least one support arm includes a flexible material
Data Source
AI summary
A flameless candle may include: a frame; a light source configured to project light; a flame element including a body, an interior region within the body, an interior surface between the interior region and the body, and an outer surface of the body, wherein the flame element is configured to receive the light in the interior region, such that the light passes through the interior surface, then through the body, and then through the outer surface of the body; and at least one support arm coupling the flame element to the frame, wherein the flame element is configured to receive a mechanical force and responsively move with respect to the frame, and wherein the at least one support arm includes a flexible material.