Stackable Flameless Candle Recharger with Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable flameless candles face challenges in counter or shelf space limitations for simultaneous recharging and inconvenient orientation during charging, especially for larger candles, due to the need for specific alignment and limited space.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a flameless candle with magnetically responsive portions and recharging contacts that allow for magnetic linking and electrical connection with a recharging port, enabling rotation and easy alignment, along with a recharging device featuring multiple ports that can stack to conserve space and facilitate recharging of multiple candles at various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional recharging methods are used requiring specific alignment, then electrical connection is reliable, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to orientation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical alignment system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the recharging base create magnetic fields that automatically guide and align the candle assembly during insertion, eliminating the need for precise manual orientation while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the magnetic attraction force
2Productivity
If multiple flameless candles are recharged simultaneously, then productivity increases, but area of stationary object worsens due to limited counter or shelf space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement of multiple recharging devices on limited counter space to vertical stacking arrangement. The recharging base can accommodate multiple candle assemblies stacked vertically, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase recharging capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint on the counter or shelf
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger flameless pillar candles are recharged, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation worsens due to inconvenient orientation and insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields to replace manual orientation and insertion operations. The magnetic attraction automatically guides the candle assembly into the correct position and maintains stable connection, making it equally convenient to recharge both small and large pillar candles without requiring precise manual alignment or creating ergonomic difficulties
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 solution allows for efficient and space-saving recharging of multiple flameless candles at different angles, ensuring convenient and simultaneous charging without the need for precise alignment, addressing the limitations of existing recharging methods.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetically responsive portions can magnetically link the flameless candle through the bottom portion with a recharging port
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a recharging device includes a recharging port that receives a flameless candle and recharges a battery in the candle. The recharging device includes a first stacking structure that has a top portion and a bottom portion. There is a top stacking contact on the top portion. An electrical power bus is connected with the top stacking contact. The electrical power bus is also configured to provide electrical power to the flameless candle through the recharging port. The top portion of the first stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of a first stacking structure of another recharging device.