Ladder-Connected Multi-Wick Assembly for Stable Candle Burning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional candles with multiple wicks face increased manufacturing costs and inconsistent burn environments due to air turbulence, leading to fluctuating flame heights and sooting issues, while single wicks struggle to achieve a large wax pool without excessive flame height and sooting.
Innovation Solution
A single wick assembly with multiple individual wicks connected by a resilient ladder filament that separates upon ignition, maintaining a stable, broader flame and larger wax pool diameter using conventional manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single wick is used, then the manufacturing process is simple and consistent, but the wax pool diameter is limited and flame height becomes excessively high causing sooting
Solution Approach 1:
The single wick is segmented into multiple individual wicks (first wick, second wick, etc.) that are initially connected by a resilient ladder filament. During burning, these segmented wicks separate from each other, creating multiple flame zones that broaden the flame and increase wax pool diameter while reducing individual flame height and sooting. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the benefits of multiple wicks while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single integrated wick structure.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple conventional wicks are used, then the wax pool diameter increases, but manufacturing costs increase and burn consistency deteriorates due to air turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual wicks are merged into a single integrated wick assembly connected by a resilient ladder filament. This merging allows the multiple wicks to be inserted and positioned as one unit during manufacturing, simplifying the production process and reducing costs compared to inserting multiple separate wicks. The resilient connection maintains the wicks in a compact configuration during handling while allowing them to separate during burning to achieve the desired large wax pool diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick assembly transitions from a static compact configuration during manufacturing and storage to a dynamic separated configuration during burning. The resilient ladder filament allows the individual wicks to move apart dynamically when exposed to heat and combustion, creating the necessary spacing for multiple flame zones and a large wax pool. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its structure based on operational conditions, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and effective performance.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple conventional wicks are used, then the wax pool diameter increases, but flame height fluctuates due to air turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The wick is segmented into multiple independent burning zones connected by resilient ladder filaments. Each segment burns independently with its own flame zone, and the resilient connections allow the segments to self-adjust their positions. This segmentation creates multiple stable combustion points that collectively maintain consistent burn rates and reduce flame height fluctuations caused by air turbulence, while still achieving a large wax pool diameter through the combined effect of multiple flame zones.
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 larger wax pool diameter with decreased flame height and reduced sooting risk, comparable to conventional multiple wick candles, while maintaining consistent burn rates and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient ladder filament that separates upon ignition
Implementation Method 2
a resilient ladder filament that separates upon ignition
Implementation Method 3
the heat melts the wax which then travels up the wick by capillary action and is vaporized
Implementation Method 4
the heat melts the wax which then travels up the wick by capillary action and is vaporized
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple candle wick products are disclosed which include at least one pair of candle wicks each having a knit construction and defining a terminal end which is adapted to being burned in use and a ladder filament connecting the pair of candle wicks. The knit construction of the candle wicks is such that during burning each respective terminal end of the candle wicks curls outwardly opposite to one another relative to an elongate axis thereof.