Artificial Log Assembly with Slitted Outer Wall for Flame Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial log assemblies lack effectiveness in simulating the appearance and experience of a burning wood log, with limited realism and efficiency in flame visibility and heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cylindrical artificial log with a hollow cavity and strategically placed fuel outlets, combined with slits that allow flames to be visible through the outer shell, creating a realistic burning effect while maintaining a metal structure for heat radiation, and a fuel supply system that includes jets for efficient combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the fuel supply is concealed within the cavity, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the flame visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is segmented with multiple slits that allow flames to escape and become visible while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the log. The fuel supply system is also segmented with multiple fuel outlets positioned at different locations within the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slits in the outer shell serve as intermediaries that allow the flames (generated inside the concealed cavity) to become visible from the outside. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by providing a pathway for flame visibility while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of concealed fuel supply.
2Productivity
If the fuel outlets are positioned closer to the axis, then the combustion efficiency is improved, but the flame visibility through the outer wall is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuel outlets are distributed at different radial positions within the cavity, with some closer to the axis for efficient combustion and the outer shell segmented with slits to allow flames from various positions to become visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame visibility is achieved by adding a dimensional aspect - the slits in the outer shell create additional viewing pathways. Flames generated near the axis can still become visible through the slits in the outer wall, effectively using a different spatial dimension to resolve the visibility issue.
3Illumination intensity
If the outer shell is made thinner to improve flame visibility, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the heat radiation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell has different local qualities - thinner regions with slits for flame visibility and thicker regions for heat radiation. The slits are strategically positioned and sized to allow flame visibility while maintaining sufficient material thickness in other areas for effective heat radiation.
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 enhances the visual realism of a burning log by providing visible dancing flames and shadows, while also ensuring efficient heat distribution and concealment of the fuel supply, thereby improving the overall aesthetic and functional performance of artificial log assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
fuel supply 14 is ignited, the flames 15 in the cavity 18 are visible through the slits 22
Implementation Method 2
The metal is heated by the fuel supply 14 when the fuel supply is lit and the metal radiates heat outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial log assembly includes an artificial log having an outer wall that is substantially cylindrical and elongated along an axis. The artificial log has a cavity inside the outer wall. The artificial log assembly includes a fuel supply in the cavity. The fuel supply has a plurality of fuel outlets closer to the axis than to the outer wall. The fuel outlets are spaced from each other along the axis. Slits extend through the outer wall to the cavity. At least some of the slits are spaced from each other along the axis and are spaced from each other circumferentially about the axis.