Rotating Trainer Lighter for Dual Flame Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lighters that produce both yellow and turbo flames require complex manipulation to switch between the two, often resulting in awkward handling or the risk of the lighter falling, as they typically require separate buttons or mechanisms for each flame type.

Innovation Solution

A lighter design featuring a movable trainer that translates between positions to toggle between two gas circuits, allowing for easy switching between yellow and turbo flames using a single thumb-operated mechanism, maintaining a compact size and eliminating the need for separate buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate buttons are used for each flame type, then flame type control is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame type controlVSAvoidbutton mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the trainer (ignition device) and the circuit selection switch into a single integrated component. The trainer can be rotated to different positions, where each position simultaneously performs ignition for its corresponding flame type. This merging eliminates the need for separate buttons while maintaining full control over both flame types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trainer is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as the ignition source (producing sparks) and as the circuit selector (choosing between first and second flame circuits). By making the trainer universal, the patent reduces the number of components needed while preserving the ability to control different flame types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate buttons are used for each flame type, then flame type control is achieved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame type controlVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the trainer (ignition device) and the circuit selection switch into a single integrated component. The trainer can be rotated to different positions, where each position simultaneously performs ignition for its corresponding flame type. This merging eliminates the need for separate buttons while maintaining full control over both flame types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trainer is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic selection between different flame types. The user can rotate the trainer to the desired position (first position for first flame type, second position for second flame type) and the system automatically configures the corresponding circuit, making operation intuitive and easeful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lighter position must be changed to access different buttons, then flame type switching is possible, but reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame type switchingVSAvoidlighter stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trainer is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic selection between different flame types. The user can rotate the trainer to the desired position (first position for first flame type, second position for second flame type) and the system automatically configures the corresponding circuit, making operation intuitive and easeful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effortless and controlled switching between yellow and turbo flames with one hand, maintaining a consistent size and functionality, allowing for easy selection of flame types without changing the lighter's position in the hand.

Implementation Method 1

a spark-generating mechanism, rotational activation of said trainer generating sparks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a first gas circuit intended to produce a first type of flame... the first circuit ends with a first diffusion element at the level of which the flame is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow through diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a second gas circuit intended to produce a second type of flame... the second circuit ends with a second diffusion element... obtained with a higher gas exit speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow through convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3425278B1Lighter capable of emitting two different flames alternately
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 S T DUPONT SA
  • EP3425278B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3
  • EP3425278B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5C
  • EP3425278B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighter (1) comprising a gas reservoir (16), a first gas circuit (26) intended to produce a first type of flame (2) and a second gas circuit (24) intended to produce a second type of flame (3), said lighter (1) further comprising a drive (6) associated with a spark production mechanism (14, 15), a rotational activation of said drive (6) generating sparks.The main feature of a lighter (1) according to the invention is that the drive (6) is mounted in the lighter (1) and is movable in translation between a first nominal position in which it keeps the first circuit (26) open in order to allow the gas from the reservoir (26) to pass through said first circuit (26) and thus obtain the first type of flame (2), and a second position in which it closes said first circuit (26), in order to allow the gas from the reservoir (16) to pass through the second circuit (24) and thus obtain the second type of flame (3).