Timed Wick Mechanism for Self-Extinguishing Candles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Candles often burn unattended, leading to increased risk of house fires due to prolonged burning times, and existing timed candles do not effectively utilize combustible materials for self-extinguishing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A timed wick system comprising conventional wick segments interspersed with rapidly combustible segments, such as magnesium or organic polymers, which vaporize to extinguish the flame after a predetermined interval, allowing the candle to be relit by applying heat to the extinguished material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the candle burning time is extended to 60-95 hours, then the candle provides longer illumination and fragrance, but the risk of house fires increases due to unattended burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a timed wick mechanism that is pre-configured to automatically extinguish the flame after a predetermined time period (1-4 hours). This preliminary action is built into the candle's structure before use, ensuring the candle self-extinguishes without user intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between long burning time and fire safety risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the burning duration parameter from traditional 60-95 hours to a controlled 1-4 hours through the timed wick mechanism. This parameter modification directly addresses the fire safety concern while still providing sufficient illumination and fragrance for typical usage scenarios
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a timed extinguishing mechanism is added to the candle, then fire safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timed extinguishing function directly into the wick structure itself. The wick contains both the fuel delivery function and the timed extinguishing mechanism in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate timing devices or complex mechanical systems. This integration maintains simplicity while achieving the safety function
Solution Approach 2:
The timed wick mechanism is designed to automatically extinguish the candle without requiring external control systems, sensors, or user intervention. The wick's own structure and material properties enable the timing and extinguishing functions, making the system self-regulating and avoiding additional complexity from external control mechanisms
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
The solution provides a safe, self-regulating candle that automatically extinguishes after a set time, reducing fire risks and allowing for easy relighting, while being cost-effective and commercially viable.
Implementation Method 1
The rapidly combustible wick segment may be impregnated with compositions such as magnesium, sulfate, and the like. When the flame of the wick reaches the rapidly combustible wick segment a spark occurs with sufficient intensity so that the flame is extinguished due to the vaporization of the wick segment
Implementation Method 2
The flame is extinguished due to the vaporization of the wick segment, thus stopping the flame from receiving the next conventional wick segment that it needs to continue the burning process
Data Source
AI summary
A powered, mechanical teeth cleaning device having two lines of rotating brushes is disclosed. The brushes rotate inwardly from each side, giving a cleaning effect on both buccal and lingual surface of the tooth from the gum tissue to the tooth direction. A protective shield for minimizing tissue irritation, a guiding stop for proper tooth positioning and a brush direction-of-rotation switch are included.