Butane Lighter Case with Thumb Wheel Wick Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices that attach to butane lighters for holding hemp wick are either cumbersome or lack efficient wind protection and one-handed operation for advancing and extinguishing the wick.
Innovation Solution
A pocket-sized case made of aluminum or plastic with a hole for a lighter, featuring a thumb wheel mechanism to advance and retract the hemp wick, a flip-up cap for wind protection, and a magnet for mounting, allowing one-handed ignition and extinguishing of the wick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sleeve or clip device is used to hold hemp wick, then the wick can be held and used for lighting, but the device becomes cumbersome and lacks efficient wind protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighter holder, wick reel, wind protector, and storage container into a single integrated case. The lighter fits in a dedicated slot, the wick reel is mounted on the side, the flip-up cap provides wind protection, and a storage compartment is included, eliminating the need for separate devices and enabling one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The case serves multiple functions: holding the lighter, storing the wick reel, providing wind protection via the flip-up cap, storing additional materials in the compartment, and offering magnetic mounting capability. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating multiple devices into one versatile unit.
2Ease of operation
If a thumb wheel mechanism is added to advance and retract the wick, then one-handed operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb wheel mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user's thumb without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The mechanical advantage provided by the wheel allows easy advancement and retraction of the wick with minimal effort, maintaining simplicity while enabling one-handed operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flip-up cap is added for wind protection, then wind interference is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-up cap is designed as a dynamic component that can be opened and closed as needed. When closed, it provides effective wind protection for the lighter and wick. When opened, it allows access to the lighter and wick for operation. This dynamic design provides wind protection without requiring a complex fixed structure.
4Ease of operation
If the case is designed to fit in one hand, then ease of operation is improved, but the storage capacity for different wick lengths and types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wick reel is mounted on the side of the case in a nested configuration that allows compact storage. The reel can accommodate sufficient wick length for multiple lighting sessions while the overall case remains small enough to fit in one hand. The storage compartment also provides additional space for accessories without increasing the case's footprint.
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
Enables efficient, one-handed operation of hemp wick ignition and extinguishing, reducing butane fuel usage and preventing wind interference, while allowing for easy storage and different wick lengths and types.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet in the case for mounting to a metal surface
Data Source
AI summary
A prior art butane lighter fits into a hole in a hand sized case. The user can flip open a cap on the case and advance a thumbwheel which drives a wax coated hemp wick over the flame of the lighter. The user lights the lighter to ignite the hemp wick, and he then lights any object such as a pipe. The user can reverse the thumbwheel to snuff the hemp wick flame in a chute. A reel of hemp wick is encased in a lower recess of the case. A large lighter case may have a storage container for a pipe, a small lighter case for two and a quarter inch lighters would be minimized in size to eliminate a storage compartment. One embodiment provides a simple thumb advance slot to move the rope forward and backward.