Multiple Wick Candle Assembly with Resilient Ladder Filament
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional candle wicks either produce an unreasonably high flame and excessive sooting due to the need for a single large wick to achieve a desired wax pool size, or they increase manufacturing costs and burn inconsistency with multiple wicks, which cause air turbulence and fluctuating flame heights.
Innovation Solution
A candle wick assembly with multiple individual wicks connected by a resilient ladder filament that separates when lit, maintaining a stable and broader flame with a uniform wax pool diameter, utilizing conventional single wick manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large wick is used to achieve the desired wax pool size, then the wax pool diameter is increased, but the flame height becomes unreasonably high and excessive sooting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single large wick is divided into multiple smaller wicks (typically 3-5 wicks) that are bundled together. Each wick contributes to the overall wax pool formation while maintaining individual flame control. This segmentation allows the candle to achieve a large wax pool diameter through the combined effect of multiple wicks without the excessive flame height and sooting that would result from a single large wick.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple spaced-apart wicks are used to increase the liquid wax pool size, then the wax pool diameter is increased, but manufacturing costs increase and burn consistency deteriorates due to air turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wicks are bundled together in a close arrangement rather than being spaced apart. This merging approach allows the wicks to work together as a unified system, reducing air turbulence between individual wicks while still achieving an expanded wax pool. The close bundling maintains structural integrity and consistent burning characteristics, avoiding the burn inconsistency problems associated with widely spaced wicks.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple wicks are used to increase the liquid wax pool size, then the wax pool diameter is increased, but manufacturing costs increase due to multiple wick insertions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wicks are pre-bundled together as a single unit before insertion into the candle. This merging of multiple wicks into one insertable unit allows the candle to be manufactured using the same single-wick insertion equipment and processes, eliminating the need for multiple separate insertion operations. The bundled wicks are treated as a single component during manufacturing, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs while still achieving the desired large wax pool diameter.
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 achieves a larger wax pool diameter with lower flame height, reducing sooting risks and maintaining comparable burn rates to single wick candles, while being cost-effective and consistent in performance.
Implementation Method 1
a ladder filament connecting the pair of candle wicks
Implementation Method 2
the ladder filament is of sufficient flexural stiffness so as to resiliently bias the pair of candle wicks from a compacted position wherein the candle wicks are closely laterally spaced apart relative to one another
Implementation Method 3
the heat melts the wax which then travels up the wick by capillary action and is vaporized
Implementation Method 4
Upon lighting a candle wick, the heat melts the wax
Implementation Method 5
the heat melts the wax which then travels up the wick by capillary action and is vaporized
Data Source
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AI summary
Multiple candle wicks include a wick construction having at least one pair of substantially parallel elongate candle wicks which are laterally separated from one another, and a ladder filament connecting the pair of candle wicks. The ladder filament extends back and forth between the candle wicks (e.g., at substantially 90° relative to the elongate axes of the wicks) and is of sufficient flexural stiffness so as to resiliently bias the pair of candle wicks from a compacted position and into a spread position following release of an applied bending force. A multiple candle wick assembly includes such a wick construction whereby the crossing portions of the ladder filament are bent around an exterior circumferential portion of an elongate core element so as to assume a general U-shape around the exterior circumferential portion thereof and to place the candle wicks into the compacted position thereof. An applied wax coating will retain the wicks in such compacted position until lit whereby the coating melts and the wicks are resiliently biased into the spread position thereof.