Aperture Lighter
designed by Hsu Yi Fan / Wu Pin Che, 2018
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The Aperture refers to an important mechanism in the camera. An aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels, controlling the amount of light. Applying this mechanism in the lighter for preventing the leakage of gas.
This is a fun little personal project which looks to explore new user experience of the way we strike the spark, using a interesting mechanism makes this lighter more futuristic.
INSPIRATION
People always imagine about having some magical power. Even lighting up a flame between fingers can make everyone surprised. Recreating a new fire-striking way, imitating the gesture of Finger snapping. It looks like the flame comes out from your fingers.
We decide to capture the movement of the thumb - swipe the finger from left to right.
Finger snapping is the act of creating a snapping or clicking sound with one's fingers. Primarily this is done by building tension between the thumb and another finger and then moving the other finger force- fully downward so it hits the palm of the same hand at a high speed.
RESEARCH & OBSERVATION
Over 80% of the lighter we’ve seen on the market are all sparked by thumb roll the flint wheel from top to bottom. They are all sparked by the similar way. We decide to change the user experience for making the finger snapping movement into the operation of lighting a flame. So we decide to capture the movement of the thumb - swipe the finger from left to right.
CONCEPT
The first lighter has been invented for over 100 years. It has been used in so many circumstances not only for cigarette but also for candle and a lot of needs. Nowadays, lighters become a kind of symbol of one’s taste. This symbol shows a person’s lifestyle and attitude. Therefore, it makes lighters turn into a collection or boutique.
TARGET GROUP & IDEATION
DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTIONS
The Aperture lighter is designed in traditional constriction and using kerosene as fuel. Also combine the aperture mechanism in camera that controlling the amount of light. This mechanism is not only a flame valve, it’s also designed for avoiding the leak of kerosene.
The aperture valve is composed of 2 aluminum rings, 10 flint pad and 6 magnets.
MECHANISM & SECTION
All the actuations are connected to the aperture mechanism. Besides controlling the flame valve, it strike the spark with the bottom of the mechanism. the bottom surface is made of firesteel, the same material with flint wheel. While rotate the top of the mechanism counter-clock- wise, the valve will start open. Otherwise rotating clockwise will close the valve. Make sure that gas won’t leak out.
While the aperture move, it also striking spark to the wick for light- ing up the flame.
