Artificial fireplace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial fireplaces with semi-transparent mirrors reflect external light, blending it with the video image of flames and disrupting the conventional fireplace effect.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light-transmitting screen with maximum transmittance in the primary viewing direction and reduced transmittance in other directions, such as a plate-shaped element with diamond-shaped light transmission openings, to minimize external light reflections on the semi-transparent mirror, and optionally using an electrically conductive material to create a Faraday cage for electromagnetic radiation shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a semi-transparent mirror is used to reflect the video image of flames, then the effect of a conventional fireplace is created, but external light reflections occur on the mirror which break the fireplace effect
Solution Approach 1:
A polarizing filter is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the semi-transparent mirror. This filter selectively blocks polarized external light reflections while allowing the video image to pass through, thereby eliminating the harmful reflection effect without compromising the fireplace visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the viewing system are modified by introducing a polarizing filter that changes the polarization state of light. This parameter change allows differentiation between the video image light and external reflection light, enabling selective transmission of the desired image while blocking reflections
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-transmitting screen with reduced transmittance in certain directions is used, then external light reflections are reduced, but light transmittance in the viewing direction must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmitting screen exhibits direction-dependent optical properties, with maximum light transmittance in the primary viewing direction and reduced transmittance in other directions. This local quality variation allows the screen to maintain visibility for viewers while blocking oblique external light reflections
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from considering only the intensity of light transmission to incorporating the directional dimension. By introducing angular dependence to the transmittance property, the screen can differentiate between light coming from the viewing direction versus light coming from oblique reflection angles
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
Enhances the visibility of the video flames while reducing external light reflections, maintaining a realistic fireplace effect and shielding surroundings from electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
The light-transmitting screen is arranged to have its maximum light transmittance in a first direction and a reduced light transmittance in directions different from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
the video shown by the display is reflected in the direction of the viewing opening
Implementation Method 3
The light-transmitting screen is manufactured from an electrically conductive material. The light-transmitting screen is grounded
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an artificial fireplace (100) comprising a housing (110). The housing (110) encloses an internal space (111), and is provided with a viewing opening (115) for looking into in the internal space (111). The fireplace (100) comprises a display (120) in the housing (110) that faces the internal space (111) of the housing (110) and is provided for displaying a video including flames. The fireplace (100) comprises a semi-transparent mirror (130) that is provided and arranged in the internal space (111) of the housing (110) in such a way that the video on the display (120) is reflected in the direction of the viewing opening (115), and that a rear part (113) of the internal space (111) is visible through the viewing opening (115). The fireplace (100) comprises a light-transmitting screen (140) arranged in the viewing opening (115), and arranged to have its maximum light transmittance in a first direction (R1) and a reduced light transmittance in directions different from the first direction (R1).