Electric fireplace lighting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric fireplaces lack realistic and immersive lighting effects to simulate the appearance of a burning fire, which affects their aesthetic appeal and simulation fidelity.
Innovation Solution
The electric fireplace assembly incorporates multiple projectors and a rotation control system, along with a non-transparent screen and logs with planar surfaces, to project light onto the logs and screen, creating a synchronized and dynamic flame simulation, including a front projector for the logs and a rear projector for the screen, mimicking the appearance of burning logs and embers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple projectors and synchronized spinners are added to improve flame simulation realism, then the lighting effect and appearance fidelity are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent projectors (front projector, rear projector) and spinners (front spinner, rear spinner), each responsible for specific lighting zones and effects. This segmentation allows complex lighting functions to be achieved through coordinated simple units, improving flame simulation realism while managing device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple projectors and spinners are merged into a synchronized system controlled by a single controller, combining their individual lighting effects to create a unified, realistic flame simulation. The coordination of front and rear lighting elements produces an integrated visual effect that enhances appearance fidelity
2Illumination intensity
If a non-transparent screen is positioned behind the logs, then the projection contrast and flame appearance are improved, but the light transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
A non-transparent screen is introduced as an intermediary element positioned behind the logs to enhance projection contrast and flame appearance. The screen acts as a backdrop that improves the visibility and definition of projected light patterns, while the system compensates for blocked light transmission through coordinated front and rear projectors that work together to achieve the desired lighting effect
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
This solution enhances the realism and three-dimensional appearance of the simulated fire, providing a more immersive and natural flame effect by synchronizing the rotation of spinners and projecting light onto the logs and screen, effectively mimicking the flickering and movement of a real fire.
Implementation Method 1
The front projector is desirably for projecting light onto at least a portion of the substantially planar surface of one or more of the logs to provide the appearance of a burning log
Implementation Method 2
The rear projector is desirably for projecting light onto the screen behind the logs to provide a further appearance of a burning log
Implementation Method 3
The front and rear spinners may be configured to reflect light from the respective front and rear light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for an electric fireplace, and a fireplace assembly including such system, may include a plurality of logs arranged in different orientations and in different rows. Some of the logs may include a substantially planar surface facing forwards. A front projector may project a lighting effect onto the logs, including the substantially planar surfaces, and a rear projector may project a lighting effect onto a non-transparent screen positioned behind the plurality of logs. The lighting system desirably provides a realistic three-dimensional flame effect in conjunction with a log set having a natural, split-log appearance. Other features may be included to enhance the lighting system, including internal lights in the logs and in an ember bed, as well as coloration of the logs to enhance the lighting effects and the natural appearance of the logs.