Patent Publication Number: US-10330300-B2

Title: Systems and design facilitating remotely controlling an imitation candle device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent document claims priority to Chinese patent application no. CN201610605957.8 filed on Jul. 28, 2016. The entire contents of the before mentioned patent application is incorporated by reference in this patent document. 
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The subject matter of this patent document relates to systems and apparatus for facilitating remotely controlling of imitation candle devices that use an imitation flame. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditional true flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant ambience in many homes, hotels, churches, businesses, etc. Traditional candles, however, provide a variety of hazards including risk of fire, damage to surfaces caused by hot wax, and the possible emission of soot. Flameless candles have become increasingly popular alternatives to traditional candles. With no open flame or hot melted wax, flameless candles provide a longer-lasting, safe, and clean alternative. 
     Such imitation candle devices often include light sources, such as LEDs, and include electronic circuits that control the operation the imitation candle device. Furthermore, additional electronic modules can be deployed in the imitation candle device to facilitate the operations and control of electronic candle devices. For example, an imitation candle device may be controlled remotely (e.g., via a user&#39;s mobile device) using wireless communication methodologies. 
     SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     The disclosed embodiments relate to different aspects of an installation cavity that holds a detachable electronic module in an imitation candle device. The detachable electronic module, when attached to the imitation candle device, connects to the central control circuitry of the imitation candle device to enable and facilitate remote control operations of the imitation candle device. 
     One exemplary aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to an assembly to hold a detachable electronic module for an imitation candle device. The assembly comprises an installation cavity formed inside of a body of the imitation candle device, including: a first subspace extending between a first surface and an opening, wherein the first surface is adapted to engage an insertion interface of the electronic module to form a connection with a communication interface of the imitation candle device and the opening allows insertion or ejection of the detachable electronic module, the first subspace further bounded by a side wall, a second subspace extending between a second surface and the opening, wherein the second surface is recessed and is situated at a first distance from the opening, and the side wall includes a groove that runs from the second surface at least partially down the side wall toward the first surface, and a third subspace extending between a third surface and the opening, wherein the third surface is recessed and is situated at a second distance that is greater than the first distance from the opening; and an engagement element that extends into the installation cavity through the opening to allow secure connection of the electronic module with the communication interface of the imitation candle device. 
     In another exemplary aspect, an imitation candle device that can be controlled remotely is disclosed. The imitation candle device comprises a flame element shaped to resemble a candle flame and protruding from top of the imitation candle device; a body including an installation cavity; one or more light sources operably configured in the body; an electronic circuitry coupled to the flame element and the one or more light sources to control motion of the flame element and lighting of the one or more light sources; and an electronic module, configured to be installed in the installation cavity, that couples with the electronic circuitry to facilitate remote controlling of the imitation candle device. The installation cavity comprises a first subspace extending between a first surface and an opening, wherein the first surface is adapted to engage an insertion interface of the electronic module to form a connection with a communication interface of the imitation candle device and the opening allows insertion or ejection of the electronic module, the first subspace further bounded by a side wall, a second subspace extending between a second surface to the opening, wherein the second surface is recessed and is situated at a first distance from the opening, and the side wall includes a groove that runs from the second surface at least partially down the side wall toward the first surface, and a third subspace extending between a third surface and the opening, wherein the third surface is recessed and is situated at a second distance that is greater than the first distance from the opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary components of an imitation candle device that includes a shell. 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary view of an imitation candle device that illustrates an installation cavity as well as mechanical and electrical components of the imitation candle device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary view of an installation cavity within the imitation candle body. 
         FIG. 4  shows another exemplary view of an installation cavity, coupled with an electronic module, within the imitation candle body. 
         FIG. 5  shows exemplary structures of an imitation candle device having an installation cavity. 
         FIG. 6(A)  shows an exemplary snap lock. 
         FIG. 6(B)  illustrated an exemplary ejection component. 
         FIG. 7  is another exemplary view of an imitation candle device that illustrates a compartment cover in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 8  illustrate an exemplary view of an imitation candle device with a compartment cover open. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary electronic module. 
         FIG. 10(A)  shows another exemplary electronic module. 
         FIG. 10(B)  shows yet another exemplary electronic module. 
         FIG. 11  shows an exemplary schematic design of an installation cavity. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     In this patent document, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. 
     Imitation candle devices can simulate a real candle with a flame that resembles a real-life flame with flickering effects using optical, mechanical and electrical components. The disclosed embodiments provide further features and functionalities that enhance the operation of these devices, and in some cases, enable additional features, such as aesthetic and decorative features, that cannot be obtained with real candles. 
     Currently, with the continuous progress of science and technology, a variety of new technologies have been developed for imitation candle devices. However, attentions are focused on the appearance and the verisimilitude of the lighting effects. It is notable that improvements regarding the internal design of the candle device are also crucial to ensure the successful manufacture of a compact and robust imitation candle device. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary imitation candle device. The imitation candle device includes a flame element  100  and a shell  400 , mimicking the appearance of a real candle. The shell  400  covers internal components of the candle device, which can include one or more light producing devices (not shown in  FIG. 1  but shown as  280  in  FIG. 2 ) that illuminate the flame element  100  under the control of a circuit board (not shown).  FIG. 1  illustrates one example of an imitation candle device having a flame element  100  that does not move when being illuminated by a light source. Other exemplary imitation candled devices can include a movable flame element. For example, in some implementations, where the flame element is a movable component, the movement of the flame element  100  may also be governed by the circuit board according to a regular pattern, or in accordance with an irregular pattern, depending on the desired visual effects. 
     It is desirable to be able to remotely control the operations of the imitation candle to, for example, the turn it on or off, to activate a timer setting, to change the color, intensity and/or flickering pattern of the light that illuminates the flame element  100 , to control the movement of the flame element  100  (in devices that include a movable flame element), or other operations. To accomplish these and other remove operations, the candle device must include the proper circuitry to receive and decode the remote signals. While it is possible to include permanent receiver circuitry in a candle device, in some implementations it is desirable to include a removable electronic module that can be easily connected to, and removed from, the electronic candle. It is also desirable to maintain the natural appearance of a real candle; thus the electronic module should be placed within the candle body so that it does not interfere with the genuine look and feel of a candle. The disclosed embodiments address the above and other issues by forming an installation cavity within the candle body. The features of the installation cavity alone, or in combination with the features of the electronic module, enable easy installation and removal of the electronic module without interfering with the natural appearance of the candle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates some of the mechanical and electrical components of an exemplary imitation candle device having an installation cavity and an electronic module. The imitation candle includes a body  200  and an installation cavity  202  in which an electronic module  204  may be installed. The electronic module  204  can be a wireless communication unit, a timing unit. It can also include additional components or capabilities such as a control unit to control the motion of a flame element, or a control unit to control light emitting elements. Once the electronic module  204  is inserted into the installation cavity  202 , it connects to a communication interface  206  to exchange information with the central control of the imitation candle device, such as a PCB board, thereby providing desired function as needed. In some embodiments, the electronic module  204  is a Bluetooth communication module. In some embodiments, the electronic module  204  can also be a WiFi communication module or a high-frequency communication module. 
     The electronic module  204  is a standalone, detachable component that can communicate with different imitation candle devices. For example, a user may unplug a timing unit from an imitation candle device and replace it with a Bluetooth communication unit. In some embodiments, when an imitation candle device no longer requires remote control functionality, its electronic module can be unplugged and shared with another imitation candle device. 
     As depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the body of the imitation candle device  200  further includes a compartment cover  220  to cover the battery compartment  210 . The compartment cover  220  includes an engagement element  221  that is formed as a protrusion at one end of the compartment cover  220 . The imitation candle device further includes a lock  250 , an ejection component  260 , and an elastic element  270 . These components will be discussed in further detail in connection with  FIGS. 5, 6 (A) and  6 (B). 
       FIG. 3  shows an exemplary installation cavity  302  within the imitation candle body  300 . The installation cavity  302  is located next to the battery compartment  310 . The opening of the installation cavity  302  is exposed when the battery compartment cover is taken off, allowing insertion and installation of the electronic module. The installation cavity further includes a step feature  304 . The step feature  304  comprises a surface that is recessed from the opening of the installation cavity to create a recessed space. This recessed space allows the engagement element  221  and the compartment cover  220  (see  FIG. 2 ) to couple with the installation cavity when the compartment cover  220  closes. In some embodiments, the installation cavity  302  may be positioned in other places within the body of the imitation candle. The installation cavity  302  may be formed as one integral piece, or be formed by assembling a plurality of parts that are engaged with one another. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the side wall of the installation cavity  302  further includes a groove  306  that starts from the surface of the step feature  304  and runs, at least partially, down the main subsection of installation cavity. The groove  306  provides a mechanism for the electronic module to engage with the installation cavity in proper orientation. In some embodiments, the electronic module includes a raised surface  921  (see  FIG. 9 ). The raised surface  921 , together with the groove  306 , can guide the user to insert electronic module into the installation cavity with correct orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the main subsection of the installation cavity matches the shape of the electronic module. The shape can be rectangular, cylindrical, or other specific forms. 
       FIG. 4  shows another exemplary installation cavity  402 , coupled with an electronic module  404 , within the imitation candle body  400 . In this embodiment, the installation cavity  402  includes a recess  420  that provides access to the electronic module  404  when it is inserted in the installation cavity  402 . The recess  420  includes a surface that is at a distance from the bottom surface of the candle. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the surface of the recess  420  is formed within the battery compartment  410 ; it exposes at least part of the battery compartment  410  to the installation cavity  402 . Such configuration ensures that the total volume of the imitation candle device does not increase. The surface of the recess  420  can also be formed with other components within the imitation candle body  400  to maintain the same total volume of the imitation candle device. 
     The recess  420  allows a user to readily make contact with the electronic module  404  that has been inserted into the installation cavity  402  using his or her fingers, facilitating easy removal of the electronic module  404  when necessary. In some embodiments, the electronic module  404  may include a surface feature  406 , which is located at an end of the electronic module housing to facilitate the access of the electronic module. The combination of the recess  420  of the installation cavity  402  and the surface feature  406  of the electronic module  404  enhances the ability to readily reach for and remove the electronic module  404 . The surface feature  406  will be discussed in further details in connection with  FIG. 10 . 
     The imitation candle device may include an ejection mechanism to eject the electronic module when it needs to be taken out from the installation cavity.  FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of the imitation candle device that includes such an ejection mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the ejection mechanism includes an ejection component  560  and a lock  550  that is capable of locking and ejecting the ejection component  560 . The lock  550  can be mounted on the body  500  permanently by a fixing bracket  580 . Exemplary embodiments of the ejection component  560  and a lock  550  are further illustrated in  FIG. 6(A)  and  FIG. 6(B) . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6(A) , the lock  550  is a snap lock that comprises a pair of clip legs,  551  and  552 , and a spring  553 .  FIG. 6(B)  shows a corresponding embodiment of the ejection component  560 . The ejection component  560  comprises a support leg  561  to press the snap lock  550 . Protrusions  563  are symmetrically arranged at the top of the support leg  561  so that the snap lock  550  can lock the ejection element via the pair of clip legs  551  and  552 . The protrusions  563  may also include guiding slopes  564  to facilitate smooth locking of the support leg  561  with the clip legs  551  and  552  of the snap lock  550 . The ejection component depicted in  FIG. 6(B)  also includes an ejection leg  562  to press against the electronic module  504  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     In operation, when a user applies a force to the electronic module  504  to insert it into the installation cavity  520 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , the electronic module  504  pushes against the ejection leg  562 , which causes a movement of the ejection element  560  towards the lock  550 . The ejection element  560  presses against the clip legs  551  and  552  of the lock  550 . The support leg  561 , facilitated by the guiding slopes  564 , engages with the lock  550  via the clip legs  551  and  552 . When the user applies a force again to the electronic module  504  to remove it from the installation cavity, the electronic module  540  is pressed against the ejection leg  562  again. The electronic module  540  pushes the ejection element  560  towards the lock  550 . The engaged support leg  561  now presses against the lock  550 , causing its spring  553  to compress. The compressed spring  553  further pulls the clip legs  551  and  552  apart, releasing and disengaging the support leg  561 . The electronic module  504  then can be ejected and removed from the installation cavity. 
     In some embodiments, an elastic element  570  is further included as a part of the ejection mechanism to facilitate the ejection of the electronic module. The elastic element can be a spring  270 , as demonstrated in  FIG. 2 . The elastic force provided by the elastic element  570  can drive the ejection component  560  further toward the installation opening to facilitate successful ejections. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6(B) , the ejection component  560  includes a cylinder-shaped middle section  565  that has an opening that faces upward. The support leg  561  is located at the center of the middle section  565 . The ejection leg  562  is located at the bottom of the middle section  565  and extends downwardly. In some embodiments, the elastic element  570 , such as a spring, is arranged within the cylindrical body of the middle section  565 . 
     The ejection mechanism may be optional if the recess  420 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 , allows a user to manually make contact with a surface of the electronic module to remove the electronic module. Pulling out the electronic module by hand may be more advantageous to the ejection mechanism due to factors like materials aging and structural deformation of the parts. Furthermore, manufacturing cost can be reduced if fewer parts are required for the installation cavity. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of an imitation candle device having an installation cavity with its compartment cover  720  closed. The compartment cover  720  simultaneously covers the battery compartment and the installing cavity. The installation cavity and the corresponding electronic module are completely hidden once the compartment cover  720  closes the bottom of the imitation candle device. 
       FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of an imitation candle device having an installation cavity with its compartment cover  820  open. When the compartment cover  820  is open, the electronic module  840  can be inserted to the installation cavity  830  through the opening. The electric module  840  can be pushed towards the communication interface to achieve the connection therewith. 
     The engagement element  821 , in this embodiment, is formed as a part of the compartment cover  820 . The engagement element  821  is arranged on the compartment cover  820  in a protrusive manner, and extends into the installing cavity  830 . The height of the engagement element  821  ensures that the electronic module  840  can be pushed inwardly to connect with the communication interface. In some embodiments, the engagement element  821  may be arranged separately from the compartment cover  820 . 
     The groove  831  that runs at least partially down the main subsection of the installation cavity  830  couples with a raised surface  841  on the electronic module  840 . The groove  831 , together with the raised surface  841 , guide the user to place the electronic module  840  within the installation cavity  830  with proper orientation; this way a user can easily, and without guesswork, install the electronic module  840 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module as a Bluetooth unit. The Bluetooth unit may include an insertion interface  910  that, when the Bluetooth unit is inserted into the installation cavity, connects to the communication interface in the imitation candle device. The insertion interface  910  is also connected to a communication circuit board installed in a housing of the unit. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the housing includes a first housing (or a first section of a housing)  920  and a second housing (or a second section of the housing)  930 . A communication circuit board can be positioned between the first housing  920  and the second housing  930 . In some embodiments, the housing of the unit comprises an integral housing that encloses the communication circuit board. 
     In some embodiments, the Bluetooth unit may further include a raised surface  921  to engage with the groove  306  defined in the installation cavity, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The Bluetooth unit can be successfully installed only when the raised surface  921  is aligned with the groove  306 . The raised surface  921  may be positioned near the insertion interface  910 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the raised surface may alternatively be positioned on the surface of the first housing  920  close to the middle or further away from the insertion interface  910 . In some embodiments, such as the one shown in  FIG. 10(A) , the raised surface  1021  is formed to cover the entire length of the surface of the first housing  1020 . 
     Furthermore, the Bluetooth unit may further comprise a cap  940  or  1040 . When the Bluetooth unit is not in use, the cap  940  or  1040  can cover the exposed section of the insertion interface  910  or  1010  in order to protect the communication circuit board. 
     In some embodiment, the raised surface  921  may be rectangular or have other shapes. The design of the raised surface  921  and the groove  306 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , can also be interchanged: the electronic module may comprise a groove that at least partially run down its first housing and the installation cavity may include a raised surface that engages with the groove to ensure correct installation of the electronic module. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10(B) , the second housing  1030  of the electronic module comprises a protruding surface feature  1031  so that a user can readily make contact with the electronic module using his or her fingers. The surface feature  1031  is located at the end that is away from the insertion interface  1010 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , after the electronic module  404  is inserted into the installation cavity  402 , the surface feature  406  is accessible to the user through the recess  420 . When the electronic module  404  needs to be taken out, a user can directly take out the electronic module from the installation cavity  402  by hand without requiring any additional ejection mechanism. 
     An exemplary schematic design of the assembly to hold a detachable electronic module in an imitation candle device is shown in  FIG. 11 . The assembly includes an installation cavity and an engagement element. In this embodiment, the installation cavity includes three subspaces. A first subspace  1102  extends between a first surface  1103  and an opening  1100 , and holds the electronic module when it is inserted. The first surface  1103  is adapted to engage an insertion interface of the electronic module to form a connection with a communication interface of the imitation candle device  1110  and the opening allows insertion or ejection of the detachable electronic module. The pair of dotted lines at the bottom of  FIG. 11  illustrate a rectangular subsection that can accept the insertion interface of the electronic module (see also  FIG. 2 ). The first subspace is further bounded by a side wall  1109 . 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  also includes a second subspace  1104  extending between a second surface  1105  and the opening  1100 . The second subspace is also referred to as a step feature in  FIG. 3 . The second surface  1105  is recessed and is situated at a first distance from the opening  1100 , and the side wall  1109  includes a groove  1108  that runs from the second surface  1108  at least partially down the side wall  1109  toward the first surface  1103 . This subspace provides space to engage other components, such as the compartment cover  220  shown in  FIG. 2 , in order to close the opening of the installation cavity. The functionality of the groove  1108  is discussed in detail in connection with  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 8 . 
     The embodiment also includes a third subspace  1106 , which is also referred to as a recess in  FIG. 4 , extending between a third surface  1107  and the opening  1100 . The third surface is recessed and is situated at a second distance that is greater than the first distance from the opening  1100 . The functionality of the third subspace is discussed in detail in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
     The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11  further includes an engagement element that extends into the installation cavity through the opening  1100  to allow secure connection of the electronic module with the communication interface of the imitation candle device  1110 . An exemplary implementation of the engagement element is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Some of the disclosed components be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuits, software, or combinations thereof. For example, a hardware electronic circuit implementation can include discrete analog and/or digital components that are, for example, integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively, or additionally, the disclosed components or modules can be implemented as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP) that is a specialized microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needs of digital signal processing associated with the disclosed functionalities of this application. Similarly, the various components or sub-components within each module may be implemented in software, hardware or firmware. The connectivity between the modules and/or components within the modules may be provided using any one of the connectivity methods and media that is known in the art, including, but not limited to, communications over the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using the appropriate protocols. 
     The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments of the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments. The embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products.