Electric Candle Flame Simulation Using Projected Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric lighting devices fail to realistically simulate a flickering flame, lacking in realism and authenticity in their simulation of candle-like light sources.
Innovation Solution
The use of a projector, preferably a pico projector, is integrated into a housing to project images, videos, or colors onto a flame element, allowing for direct or indirect projection, with optional feedback mechanisms to adjust based on air-flow disturbances and ambient light, and incorporating 3D hologram projections or transient surfaces like steam or mist for enhanced realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional electric lighting mechanisms are used to simulate a flame, then the device structure is simple, but the realism and authenticity of the flame simulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a projector to project images of flame onto a translucent flame element, creating a visual copy of a real flame rather than attempting to physically replicate the combustion process. This approach achieves realistic flame appearance through optical projection while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a translucent flame element as an intermediary between the projector and the observer. The flame element serves as a projection surface that diffuses and softens the projected light, creating a more realistic flame appearance that closely resembles actual candle or fire flames.
2Illumination intensity
If a projector is used to project images onto a flame element, then the flame simulation realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the projector within the housing structure of the electric candle, nesting the projection system inside the overall device. This allows the projector to be positioned optimally for projecting onto the flame element while maintaining a compact, candle-like external form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector serves multiple functions: it projects flame images onto the flame element, provides ambient lighting, and can potentially display different flame patterns or colors. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by delivering enhanced flame simulation realism and additional lighting capabilities.
3Illumination intensity
If the projector projects at high intensity to improve flame visibility, then the flame simulation realism is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the projection intensity parameters to achieve optimal flame simulation realism while managing energy consumption. The projector is configured to project at sufficient brightness to create realistic flame appearance through the translucent element, but not at maximum intensity, thereby balancing visual效果 with energy efficiency.
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 provides a more realistic simulation of a flickering flame, offering adjustable brightness and responsive projection that mimics the dynamic nature of a candle flame, enhancing the visual experience with improved realism and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The projector is also capable of projecting visible light at an intensity such that the light reflected from the flame element has an intensity of between 2 and 15 lumens.
Data Source
AI summary
Electric candles are described having a candle-shaped housing, a flame element extending from the housing and one or more projectors disposed within the candle-shaped housing such that a media file can be projected on to a first surface of the flame element using the pico projector. The flame element could be fixed or move with respect to the housing. The flame element could be transient and only exist when the candle is on.