Electrically operated fireplace systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric fireplaces lack a realistic flame effect and warmth simulation without the complexity of venting systems, limiting their design flexibility and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated fireplace system incorporating display panels, inclined reflective surfaces, filters, and substrate light sources to create a realistic flame effect, combined with a heating system for warmth, allowing for various designs including two-sided and peninsula styles with a 'see-through' option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional electric fireplaces use simple heating elements, then manufacturing is easy and cost is low, but flame effect realism is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses display panels to create a visual copy of real flames through video or digital imaging, rather than attempting to physically replicate combustion. This optical copying approach achieves realistic flame effects without the complexity of gas or wood burning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical combustion systems (gas burners, wood fires) with electronic display systems. The flame effect is generated through digital imaging and optical reflection rather than chemical combustion, eliminating venting requirements and simplifying the overall system.
2Illumination intensity
If electric fireplaces include venting systems for realism, then flame effect improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical systems (display panels, reflective surfaces, filters) for mechanical venting systems. The flame effect is achieved through controlled light manipulation rather than physical combustion, eliminating the need for complex venting infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric fireplaces use fixed designs, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability and design versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable components including movable display panels, adjustable reflective surfaces, and programmable lighting systems. These dynamic elements allow the fireplace to be reconfigured for different designs (two-sided, peninsula, see-through) without requiring entirely different manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fireplace system that can function in multiple configurations through adjustable components. The same basic structure can be adapted to create different design styles and installation types, making the system versatile across various applications while maintaining manufacturing 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
Provides a realistic flame simulation and warmth without moving parts, enabling versatile designs and user control, enhancing the aesthetic and functional experience of electric fireplaces.
Implementation Method 1
one or more reflective panels positioned below an inclined reflective surface... Images of combustion or flames displayed on the display panels are reflected by the inclined reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
one or more filters disposed proximate the one or more display panels... the one or more filters to transmit incident visible light generated by the one or more display panels
Implementation Method 3
one or more substrate light sources... The substrate may be illuminated using a one or more substrate light sources positioned beneath the substrate
Implementation Method 4
a heater assembly... Functionally, electrically operated fireplaces may produce a warm air output using one or more electric heaters
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing an electrically operated fireplace that includes a one or more display panels, one or more reflective surfaces inclined at an angle with respect to the one or more display panels to reflect the video images of a flame displayed by the one or more display panels. One or more filters or privacy screens are disposed proximate the one or more display panels. Beneficially, the electrically operated fireplaces disclosed herein do not require the use of moving parts, such as a rotating mirror, to provide the images of the flames. Further, since video images are used to provide the flame effect, the flame effect may be varied simply by loading a new video image into the memory portion of the control circuitry used to provide the flame display.