Hour Flower: Self-Extinguishing Candle Timer

Role: Inventor | Personal design exploration and mechanical prototyping

While working full time as an automotive engineer at Fiat Chrysler, I began experimenting with side projects to stretch my creative thinking and stay hands-on with prototyping. That is how the Hour Flower was born, a personal challenge to create a self-extinguishing candle that could act as both a safety device and a calming alternative to traditional timers.

The concept was simple. With a twist, the top of the flower-like device would slowly rotate, keeping a tea light candle exposed for a chosen amount of time. When time was up, the device would snap shut, safely extinguishing the flame. I designed the internal components in Fusion 360 and used my hobby-grade 3D printer to create and refine the mechanism at home.

To control timing, I integrated a compact planetary gear train that allowed for smooth and precise actuation of a repurposed kitchen timer mechanism. At the end of the countdown, a custom iris-style closure would snap shut over the flame, combining mechanical precision with a satisfying and intuitive user experience.

Originally conceived as a safety feature, the Hour Flower evolved into a more ambient and meditative alternative to phone alarms and kitchen timers. It offered a quiet way to track time, whether reading before bed or enjoying a focused work session, without the jarring interruption of a traditional alert.