Remotely-Controlled Candle with Integrated Extinguishing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely-controlled candles lack the ability to remotely extinguish a lit flame, posing safety risks and limiting their functionality in creating ambiance or safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A remotely-controlled candle device with an electric unit, ignition, and extinguishing mechanisms, including a cover that prevents oxygen supply to the flame, controlled via a smartphone application or user device, allowing for remote ignition and extinguishing commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remotely-controlled candle is provided with ignition means, then the candle can be lit remotely to create ambiance and ensure safety, but the candle cannot be remotely extinguished, posing safety risks when unattended
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving remote signals, controlling the ignition device to light the candle, and controlling the extinguishing device to put out the flame. This multi-functionality allows the single device to handle both lighting and extinguishing operations remotely, resolving the contradiction by enabling complete remote control capability while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the remote control signal and the execution devices (ignition and extinguishing). It receives commands from a remote source, processes them, and activates the appropriate device, enabling safe remote operation without requiring direct physical presence near the candle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ignition means are added to enable remote lighting, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition device and extinguishing device are integrated into a single candle structure, along with the control unit and power source. This merging of multiple functional components into one unified device achieves remote lighting and extinguishing capabilities while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple purposes: signal reception, processing, and control of both ignition and extinguishing operations. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing versatility.
3Reliability
If an extinguishing device is added to enable remote flame suppression, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (flame) is extracted or suppressed by the extinguishing device when needed. The device separates the functions of creating flame (ignition) and eliminating flame (extinguishing), allowing independent control of each function to optimize safety without requiring overly complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit manages both ignition and extinguishing functions, reducing overall system complexity by using a single control brain rather than separate control systems for each function. This universal control approach enhances safety while managing structural complexity.
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 safe and convenient remote control of candle flames, preventing unattended burning risks and enhancing user experience by allowing for ambiance creation and safety through remote operation of multiple candles.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition device secured to the float, the ignition device being in heat exchanger relation with an upper end of the wick and controlled by the control equipment, for producing a flame
Implementation Method 2
the float is hollow and sufficient air filled so that it will float on top of the combustible material when the combustible material is in a fluid state
Implementation Method 3
an extinguishing device, comprising a component suitable to prevent the supply of oxygen to the flame
Data Source
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AI summary
A remotely -controlled candle device, which comprises (a) an enclosure containing combustible material; (b) a wick disposed within the combustible material, by which the combustible material is drawn upwardly by capillary action; (c) an electric unit in which is housed control and communication equipment and a battery for powering the equipment; (d) an ignition device in heat exchanger relation with an upper end of the wick and controlled by the control equipment, for controllably igniting the upper end and producing a flame; (e) one or more conductive elements connected to both the electric unit and to the ignition device; and (f) an extinguishing device controlled by the control equipment for controllably extinguishing the flame. The electric unit is operable to receive remote commands from a user device for activating the ignition device and the extinguishing device upon demand. The extinguishing operation if performed gradually.