Waterproof Lighter Case With Gas Lock Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighters are prone to becoming unusable when exposed to moisture, leading to corrosion and accidental fuel depletion due to unintentional button presses, especially when carried in wet conditions or pockets.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof lighter case with a semi-flexible sleeve and cap design that creates a watertight seal, featuring crush ribs and expansion grooves for a secure fit, along with a gas lock strap to prevent accidental button actuation, made from moisture-repellent materials like rubber or plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lighter is carried without protection, then it is easily accessible and simple to use, but it becomes vulnerable to moisture damage and accidental button presses
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is divided into distinct functional segments: a sleeve for moisture protection and a separate cap with gas button locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The case acts as an intermediary protective layer between the lighter and harmful external factors (moisture, accidental presses). The cap specifically serves as a mediator to prevent unintended gas button actuation while allowing intentional use
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof case is designed with secure sealing mechanisms, then moisture protection is improved, but the case becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with dynamic properties - it is semi-flexible and can expand or compress to accommodate the lighter while maintaining a tight seal. This dynamic characteristic allows the sleeve to adapt to slight variations in lighter dimensions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is constructed from flexible material that can conform to the lighter's shape and provide effective sealing through elastic deformation rather than rigid mechanical fastening. This flexibility simplifies the sealing mechanism while maintaining protection effectiveness
3Reliability
If a gas lock strap is added to prevent accidental button presses, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas lock strap functionality is merged with the existing cap structure. The cap serves dual purposes: sealing the sleeve and providing the gas lock mechanism through its interaction with the gas button. This integration avoids adding separate components while achieving the protective function
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 effectively protects the lighter from moisture and accidental fuel depletion by maintaining functionality and preventing accidental button presses, ensuring the lighter remains usable and functional in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof lighter case with a semi-flexible sleeve and cap design that creates a watertight seal
Implementation Method 2
featuring crush ribs and expansion grooves for a secure fit
Implementation Method 3
made from moisture-repellent materials like rubber or plastic
Data Source
AI summary
A case for a lighter including a removable cap and elongated body sleeve is described herein. Placing the cap on the elongated body sleeve creates a waterproof seal that protects the components of the lighter inside of the case and prevents exposure of the lighter to moisture that may damage components or prevent proper functioning of the lighter. The case can prevent inadvertent activation of the gas button and can also provide a gas lock strap for selectively activating and maintaining activation of the gas button. The case and cap can include features for increasing grip on the lighter as well as removably coupling the case to a lanyard, key ring, or other means of retention.