Fireplace Burn Control Assembly for Concealed Access and Dual Flames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fireplace assemblies lack an efficient and aesthetically pleasing control system that allows for easy access and operation, particularly in low-light environments, and do not effectively simulate a natural wood-burning fire experience.
Innovation Solution
A fireplace assembly with a control panel concealed by a movable door, automatic lighting, a dual burner system, and an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) system, along with a remote control unit, which provides independent control over multiple burners to simulate a natural wood-burning fire and adjust heat output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the control panel is concealed by a movable door to improve aesthetics and safety, then the visual appeal and safety are enhanced, but the accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The concealment door is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between closed (aesthetic) and open (accessible) states. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus aesthetic presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable door acts as an intermediary element between the aesthetic requirement (concealed controls) and operational requirement (accessible controls). It mediates the conflict by providing a mechanism that can be opened when operation is needed and closed when aesthetics are prioritized.
2Reliability
If the control panel is concealed to improve safety and aesthetics, then safety and appearance are improved, but the ease of operation in low-light environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is activated in advance when the concealment door is opened, ensuring that the control panel is lit before the user needs to interact with it. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing the visual environment ahead of time, making controls visible and easy to operate while maintaining safety when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the concealed state (safe, aesthetic) and the operational state (visible, accessible). It provides the necessary light when the door is open, enabling easy operation without compromising safety when closed.
3Reliability
If a dual burner system is used to simulate natural wood-burning fire, then the realism and heating efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burner system is divided into multiple independent burner portions, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to create realistic fire patterns through coordinated operation of multiple burners while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel control valve is designed to serve multiple functions: it can direct fuel to different burner portions independently, regulate fuel flow to multiple burners simultaneously, and work with the control panel to provide various fire simulation modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
4Productivity
If independent control over multiple burners is implemented to improve heat management, then the heat output control and efficiency are improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel control valve is designed as a multi-functional component that can regulate fuel flow to multiple independent burner portions through a single device. This universal component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate valves, reducing control system complexity while maintaining independent burner control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions (fuel regulation, burner selection, flow distribution) are merged into the single fuel control valve assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed in the control system while preserving the ability to independently control each burner portion.
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 user accessibility and safety, provides a realistic fire simulation, and offers efficient heat management through adjustable flame height and burner control, improving the overall fireplace experience.
Implementation Method 1
A light source coupled to the concealment door is activated to illuminate at least a portion of the control panel when the concealment door is in the open position
Implementation Method 2
multiple independent burners each configured to provide flames that simulates a natural wood-burning fire
Implementation Method 3
a fuel control valve configured to receive a flow of fuel from a fuel delivery line. The fuel control valve is configured to direct a first portion of the flow of fuel to a first burner portion and a second portion of the flow of fuel to a second burner portion
Implementation Method 4
A pilot flame assembly is alternately operable in a standing mode or an intermittent mode
Data Source
AI summary
A fireplace assembly with an integrated burn control system includes a variety of features that provide an elegant, revolutionary, and highly-efficient way to heat a residence or other environment. The fireplace assembly may be used in combination with gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. The fireplace assembly includes, but is not limited to: a control panel; a concealment door that conceals the control panel when the concealment door is closed; automatic control panel lighting that is activated when the concealment door is open; a split flow or dual burner assembly that simulates a natural wood burning fire; and an intermittent pilot ignition system that allows a pilot flame to run continuously or intermittently. The fireplace assembly can be manually controlled via the control panel or automatically and/or remotely controlled via a remote control device.