Concealable electric fireplace insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric fireplaces are not concealable, making them unsuitable for blending with room décor when not in use, and there is a need for a solution that allows the fireplace to be operable in an open configuration while preventing overheating and power usage in a concealed configuration.
Innovation Solution
A combined furniture and heating device with a removable concealing panel that allows the electric fireplace insert to be concealed within a furniture apparatus, featuring a disabling device that turns off power to the heating apparatus when the panel is configured in a concealed position and turns it back on when in an open position, using sensors like thermistors to monitor temperature and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric fireplace insert is made concealable with a removable cover, then the aesthetic integration with room décor is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like concealing panels and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fireplace insert with furniture apparatus, merging the heating function into a furniture piece. The concealing panel is integrated as part of the furniture structure, allowing the fireplace to blend seamlessly with room décor while maintaining a unified design aesthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
The fireplace insert is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a heating device and an aesthetic furniture element. The concealing panel serves dual purposes: it hides the fireplace when not in use for aesthetic integration, and can be removed or opened when heating is needed, providing versatility in both concealed and operational states.
2Reliability
If the heating apparatus operates continuously, then the heating function is maintained, but energy consumption increases and overheating risk occurs when the fireplace is concealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that detect the position of the concealing panel and provide feedback to the control system. When the panel is detected in the closed position, the system automatically adjusts the heating apparatus operation, reducing or stopping heating to prevent overheating and conserve energy. When the panel is open, heating is activated or maintained, ensuring reliable heating function only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating apparatus operates dynamically based on the concealing panel position rather than continuously. The system adapts its operation state - active when the panel is open for heating, and inactive or reduced when the panel is closed - optimizing energy consumption while maintaining heating reliability when required.
3Ease of repair
If the concealing panel is made removable and replaceable, then the ease of maintenance and cleaning is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional installation and removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fireplace system is segmented into separate components: the fireplace insert, the concealing panel, and the furniture apparatus. The concealing panel is designed as a detachable component that can be easily removed, providing access to the fireplace insert for maintenance and cleaning purposes, while maintaining a simple overall structure.
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
Enables the electric fireplace to be seamlessly integrated with the room décor by concealing it when not in use, while ensuring safe operation by preventing overheating and conserving energy by turning off the heating apparatus when not needed.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors like thermistors to monitor temperature and prevent overheating
Data Source
AI summary
A combined furniture and heating device having a concealable electric fireplace insert installed within a fireplace compartment of a furniture apparatus is provided. The electric fireplace insert has a front surface from which simulated flames are viewable when an opening of the fireplace compartment is uncovered so that the furniture apparatus is configured in its open configuration. The furniture apparatus includes a concealing panel removably installable over the opening configure the device in a concealed configuration so that the electric fireplace insert and its simulated flames viewable at its front surface are at least partially concealed. Power to a heating apparatus of the electric fireplace insert is turned on and off by a disabling device as the concealing panel is alternated between the open and concealed configurations. The disabling device can include a switch or a thermistor.