Lighter Holder Rail Structure With Secure Snap Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighters are prone to being lost or difficult to find due to their tendency to be misplaced or forgotten.
Innovation Solution
A device with round end regions connected by a rail, featuring contact areas and a locking mechanism to securely hold a lighter, allowing easy insertion and removal, and optionally an adapter for attaching accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device for holding a lighter is designed with secure locking mechanisms, then the lighter storage security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a holding body with rounded ends, a rail component, and separate contact areas. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (holding, connecting, locking) independently, achieving secure lighter storage through coordinated simple parts rather than a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact areas are designed to automatically engage with the lighter when it is inserted into the device. The rounded end regions naturally guide the lighter into position, and the contact areas self-lock without requiring additional actuators or complex locking mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring security.
2Ease of operation
If contact areas are added to enable easy insertion and removal of lighter, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Contact areas are strategically positioned only at specific locations on the rounded end regions where interaction with the lighter is needed. This localized approach provides the necessary functionality for easy insertion and removal only where required, while keeping the rest of the device structure simple and minimal.
3Reliability
If the second end region is made smaller to stop lighter movement, then the lighter positioning reliability is improved, but the device symmetry and aesthetics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device deliberately employs asymmetric design with rounded end regions of different sizes. The first rounded end has a larger diameter than the second rounded end, creating an asymmetric shape that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. This asymmetry naturally guides the lighter into the correct position and prevents it from sliding out, achieving reliable positioning without requiring additional symmetric locking components.
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 device ensures secure storage and transport of lighters, facilitates easy location, and allows for convenient carrying as an accessory, enhancing user-friendliness and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
An inserted object can be held against a material stress, against which the object can be inserted into the device by applying a certain force
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for receiving an object is provided, comprising a first end region and a second end region, each substantially round. The end regions are arranged parallel to each other and connected by at least one rail extending approximately perpendicular to both end regions. The first end region forms an opening for inserting the object into the device. The second end region is smaller than the first end region so that movement of the object from the direction of the first end region can be stopped there. At least one contact area is formed in the region of the first end region, at which an object can be inserted into or removed from the device by an applied force. A system consisting of the device and a lighter is also provided.