Movable Flame Element Mounting for Realistic Electric Candles

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved electric candles and other lighting devices that effectively simulate the appearance and movement of real candle flames while maintaining durability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a flame element that can move within a housing, secured by various mechanisms such as tabs, pins, and clips, allowing for multiple configurations that mimic the movement of a real candle flame without sacrificing stability or visibility, and includes a light source positioned to enhance the candle-like effect without casting shadows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the flame element is rigidly fixed in the housing, then stability and structural integrity are improved, but the ability to simulate real flame movement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflame movement simulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flame element is designed to be movable within the housing rather than rigidly fixed, allowing it to simulate the natural movement and flickering of a real candle flame while maintaining structural stability through guided motion constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flame element is made movable to simulate real flame, then flame movement simulation is improved, but the risk of unintentional removal or falling is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame movement simulationVSAvoidflame element retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure acts as an intermediary between the flame element and housing, providing guided movement that allows flame simulation while preventing unintentional removal or falling through mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple securing mechanisms (tabs, pins, clips) are used to secure the flame element, then flame element retention is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame element retentionVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple securing functions (tabs, pins, clips) are integrated into a unified support structure that provides both retention and guided movement, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the flame element is suspended from the housing, then flame movement simulation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame movement simulationVSAvoidsuspension alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension mechanism is designed with tolerance-compensating features that allow for variations in manufacturing precision while maintaining proper flame element positioning and movement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9335014B2Electric lighting devices

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 L&L CANDLE CO LLC

AI summary

Various components for artificial candles and other lighting devices are described that can be used to create a realistic flame effect in the devices. The devices include a flame element that extends upwardly from a housing. A light source can be disposed with respect to the flame element such that the flame element is illuminated. A variety of drive mechanisms could be disposed within the body of the device that can cause movement of the flame element with respect to the housing. The flame element can be coupled to a housing or mounting bracket of the device using various components to suspend the flame element within the housing.