Removable Candle Body with Fibre Optic for Reusable Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing candles with embedded light sources and electronic circuitry are prone to damage from flames and heated wax, and are typically single-use due to the integral nature of these components.
Innovation Solution
A candle design featuring a removable candle body with a wick and fibre optic, and a separate base unit containing a light sensor and light source, allowing for reusable base units and replacement candle bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source and electronic circuitry are embedded within the body of the candle, then the candle can be illuminated, but the components are at increased risk of damage from the flame and heated wax
Solution Approach 1:
The candle system is divided into two separate parts: the candle body (containing only the wick and fibre optic) and the base unit (containing the light source and electronic circuitry). This segmentation allows the electronic components to be positioned away from the flame and heated wax, eliminating the damage risk while preserving the illumination function through the fibre optic connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source and electronic circuitry are extracted from the candle body and placed in a separate base unit. This extraction removes the harmful thermal environment from the sensitive electronic components, allowing them to operate reliably while still providing illumination through the fibre optic that transmits light from the wick area.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is integral with the candle body, then the candle can be illuminated, but the candle becomes single-use and non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the candle system into a reusable base unit and a consumable candle body, the design enables the base unit to be used multiple times with different candle bodies. The electronic components and light source remain in the permanent base unit, while the candle body can be replaced after use, transforming the product from single-use to multi-use.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different candle bodies. The standardized connection interface allows various candle bodies to be used with the same base unit, increasing versatility and enabling the system to serve multiple functions across different candle designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the candle body is removably mounted to the base unit, then the base unit can be reused, but additional structural features (recess) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The candle body is designed with a recess that receives the base unit, creating a nested structure where the base unit fits within the candle body during use. This nesting arrangement provides a simple yet effective mounting mechanism that enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining structural integrity, without requiring complex fastening systems.
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
This design mitigates the risk of component damage and allows for the reuse of the base unit with different candle bodies, providing a more durable and versatile candle lighting solution.
Implementation Method 1
a fibre optic running therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor configured in use to detect light emitted from the wick and transmitted via the fibre optic
Implementation Method 3
a light source configured to operate in dependence on detection of light by the light sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a candle (10) which includes a base unit (12) and a candle body (14) which is mounted to the base unit. The candle body includes a wick (16) and a fibre optic (18) running therethrough. The base unit includes a light sensor (20) configured to detect light from the wick, when lit. There is additionally provided a light source configured to operate in dependence on detection of light by the light sensor.