Smart Candle Platform Sensor-Activated Flame Extinguishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional candles pose safety concerns due to the risk of fires from accidental tipping or improper assembly, and require manual operation, limiting placement options and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The Smart Candle Platform and System incorporates sensors, a control system, and communication systems to enhance safety and operation, featuring a spring-loaded bottom feed candle assembly, automatic ignition and extinguishment, and remote control capabilities via a smartphone app, along with features like tilt and proximity sensors, and a replaceable outer shell for improved safety and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional candles are used, then natural flame lighting experience is provided, but safety risks increase due to fire hazards from tipping or improper assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensor systems that continuously monitor candle conditions (tilt, proximity, temperature) and provide feedback to a control system. When unsafe conditions are detected, the system automatically responds by extinguishing the flame, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that prevents fire hazards while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The candle assembly incorporates automatic safety features that operate without user intervention. The spring-loaded bottom feed mechanism automatically adjusts fuel delivery, and the sensor-controlled extinguishment system autonomously responds to safety threats, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and reducing fire risks.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of candles is used, then simple structure is maintained, but ease of operation decreases due to direct user contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with electronic and wireless systems. Users can control candle ignition, extinguishment, and monitoring through wireless communication interfaces (smartphone apps, remote controls) rather than direct physical contact, significantly improving ease of operation despite increased electronic system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces wireless communication modules and control interfaces as intermediaries between the user and the candle assembly. This allows users to operate the candle from a distance through smartphone apps or remote controls, eliminating the need for direct contact while managing complexity through standardized communication protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed candle assembly structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability decreases due to limited placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the candle system into separable modules: a base unit with electronics and sensors, and a replaceable candle assembly. This segmentation allows the candle portion to be easily replaced or repositioned while maintaining the core safety and control systems, enhancing placement flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including a spring-loaded bottom feed mechanism that automatically adjusts to different positions, and sensor systems that adapt to various environmental conditions. These dynamic features enable the candle to function reliably across multiple placement locations while managing assembly complexity through standardized mounting interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An example Smart Candle Platform is configured to includes a candle fixture that comprises an outer shell having an opening, a mid-frame, and a base, and a fuel bottle configured to hold a fuel material and is removably coupled to the candle fixture. The fuel bottle is positioned at least partially within a hollow interior of the mid-frame of the candle fixture and accommodated by the base. The fuel bottle further comprises a wick that extends through an opening of the outer shell, and the candle fixture includes an ignitor configured to ignite the fuel material via the wick to produce a living flame, a proximity sensor to sense a distance between an object and the living flame, a self-extinguisher, and a control system configured to, upon determining the distance between the object and the living flame is unsafe, control the self-extinguisher to extinguish the living flame.