Touch-Sensitive Imitation Candle Flame Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional candles pose hazards such as fire risk and soot emission, while flameless candles lack intuitive control features for user interaction.

Innovation Solution

The development of imitation candle devices with touch-sensitive segments, air blow detection, and remote control capabilities using electronic circuitry and wireless communication to control light sources, simulating a real flame experience with enhanced user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional true flame candles are used, then a pleasant ambience is provided, but fire risk and soot emission hazards occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambience provisionVSAvoidfire risk and soot emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of the traditional candle flame experience using LED light sources that simulate the appearance and behavior of real flames without the harmful combustion byproducts. The imitation flame element replicates the visual characteristics of a true flame while eliminating fire risk and soot emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical combustion system of traditional candles with an electronic lighting system. LED-based illumination substitutes for the chemical reaction of wax combustion, providing the same ambient lighting effect without the associated hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If flameless candles with electronic circuits are used, then safety and cleanliness are improved, but control features lack intuitiveness for user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and cleanlinessVSAvoidcontrol features intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service control mechanisms where the candle responds directly to user gestures without requiring external controls. Touch-sensitive segments on the candle body allow users to interact with the device using natural hand movements, and the air blow sensor enables flame extinction through breath, mimicking traditional candle behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the candle based on detected user actions. Touch input modifies lighting intensity and patterns, while air blow detection changes the flame state from lit to extinguished, creating intuitive and responsive control experiences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If touch-sensitive segments and sensors are added to imitation candle devices, then user interaction is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interactionVSAvoidelectronic circuitry and sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a unified touch-sensitive interface. The same touch-sensitive segments that detect user presence also control lighting operations, and the air blow sensor integrates with the existing flame control system, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides a safe, long-lasting, and clean alternative to traditional candles with intuitive control features like touch activation and remote operation, enhancing user experience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of touch sensitive segments positioned on, or embedded in, a peripheral section of the body, wherein each of the plurality of touch sensitive segments is operable to produce an electrical signal in response to sensing a touch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a sensor positioned within the body to detect a blow of air directed at the imitation candle device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10165644B2Control features of imitation candle devices

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 L&L CANDLE CO LLC

AI summary

Devices and methods for facilitating the operations and usage of electronic candle devices are disclosed. In one exemplary aspect, an imitation candle device is disclosed. The imitation candle device comprises a body; a flame element protruding from top of the body; one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame; a plurality of touch sensitive segments positioned on, or embedded in, a peripheral section of the body, wherein each of the plurality of touch sensitive segments is operable to produce an electrical signal in response to sensing a touch; and an electronic control circuitry operable to receive the electrical signal produced in response to sensing the touch by one or more of the plurality of touch sensitive segments and to control at least an output of the one or more light sources based on the electrical signal.