Multi-Layer Candle Wick for Consistent Fuel Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional candle wicks often result in inconsistent burning, leading to premature extinguishing of the flame, as they fail to consistently deliver fuel to the flame due to material limitations and geometry.
Innovation Solution
A candle wick with a flat or planar, pliable design comprising multiple layers of absorbent or capillary materials, such as paper, silk, or organic textiles, which can be shaped and configured to maintain a consistent fuel delivery from top to bottom, ensuring a stable flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional candle wicks are used, then the structure is simple, but the burning consistency deteriorates leading to premature flame extinguishing
Solution Approach 1:
The wick is divided into multiple discrete layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with each layer having specific functional properties. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to fuel delivery, improving burning consistency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wick uses composite construction with different material types (absorbent material, capillary material, and combinations) arranged in specific layer configurations. This composite approach optimizes fuel delivery mechanisms to ensure consistent burning performance
2Quantity of substance
If the wick material has high absorbency, then fuel delivery improves, but the wick may burn out prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the wick have different local qualities - some layers are optimized for absorbency while others are optimized for capillary action. This spatial differentiation of material properties ensures adequate fuel delivery to the flame while preventing the entire wick from burning out prematurely
Solution Approach 2:
The wick design changes physical parameters across its structure, specifically the absorption and capillary properties of different layers. This parameter variation allows the wick to deliver sufficient fuel to sustain the flame while maintaining structural integrity and preventing premature burnout
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 substantially consistent burn and prevents the candle wick from burning out by ensuring sufficient fuel delivery to the flame, allowing for a more stable and prolonged burning experience.
Implementation Method 1
A candle wick conducts fuel, such as melted candle wax, to a candle flame. It can be made of absorbent materials or materials with sufficient capillary action.
Implementation Method 2
A candle wick conducts fuel, such as melted candle wax, to a candle flame. It can be made of absorbent materials or materials with sufficient capillary action.
Data Source
AI summary
A candle wick includes a first layer of paper or dried pulp and a second layer of material selected from the group consisting of paper, silk, thread, textiles, corn fiberfill, cotton batting, bamboo fiber, soybean protein fiber, wood, alpaca hair, dried pulp, rosin, resin, and fibrous material. The first layer is attached to the second layer to form a candle wick that is pliable and shapeable from a generally flat shape to a generally curved shaped. When ignited, the material comprising the candle wick is capable of providing sufficient fuel to a flame to provide a substantially consistent burn from an upper portion to a lower portion. A wick clip includes a slot similarly sized and shaped to receive an undersurface of the pliable, shaped configuration of the candle wick. The candle wick and wick clip form a clip assembly. A candle comprises a pliable, shaped candle wick held in place by a similarly shaped wick clip.