Simulated Fireplace Flame Assembly With Single-Source Flicker Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated fireplaces require additional backlighting components, increasing manufacturing and operational costs, and often have complex designs with many parts, which can be fragile and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly with a reflected flickering light system using a rotating flicker rod and a flame screen with non-continuous, wider-than-tall flame-shaped segments, integrated with an ember bed, reducing the need for separate lighting and simplifying the design by using a single light source to create a realistic flame and ember effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the fuel bed separately, then the visual effect of burning logs and embers is improved, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source behind the flame screen serves multiple functions: it creates the flame effect through the flame screen and simultaneously illuminates the fuel bed through the flicker rod and reflector system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backlighting components while maintaining the visual effect of burning logs and embers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flame illumination and fuel bed illumination into a single integrated system. The light source, flicker rod, and reflector work together as one unified mechanism to provide both the flame effect and the illumination of the fuel bed, reducing component complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If a separate light source is used to illuminate the fuel bed, then the realism of the fire effect is improved, but the electrical needs and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source performs dual functions of creating the flame effect and illuminating the fuel bed, thereby maintaining the realism of the fire effect while reducing electrical consumption compared to systems with separate light sources for each function.
3Illumination intensity
If false back walls with flame-shaped slots are used, then the flame effect is created, but the device depth and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an angled reflector positioned behind the flame screen to redirect light onto the fuel bed, creating a three-dimensional lighting effect that eliminates the need for deep false back walls. This dimensional approach to light redirection achieves the flame effect while minimizing device depth.
4Reliability
If multiple components including false back walls and separate lighting are used, then the flame simulation effect is improved, but the fragility during transit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, flame screen, flicker rod, and reflector into a compact assembly that maintains the flame simulation effect while reducing the number of separate components. This integration reduces fragility during transit by eliminating multiple fragile parts such as false back walls and separate lighting components.
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 cost-effective, compact, and realistic flame simulation with reduced electrical needs, enhancing the visual effect of simulated flames and embers while minimizing component complexity and fragility.
Implementation Method 1
Some of the light from the light source is reflected off of the rotating flicker element up towards a flame screen to create a flame effect
Implementation Method 2
Some of the light from the light source passes though the rotating flicker elements onto an angled reflector, or mirror, that reflects light up onto a simulated fuel bed
Data Source
AI summary
A flame simulating assembly is provided with a reflected flickering light that includes only one light source. Light from the light source passes through a rotating flicker element onto an angled reflector, or mirror, that reflects light up onto a simulated fuel bed and the some of the light is reflected off of the flicker elements towards a flame screen to create a simulated flame. The clipping flicker elements creates a fluttering light effect due to the flicker elements “intermittently dipping” into the light path. This fluctuating light is reflected onto the logs and ember bed in front and creates a dancing effect, which simulates glowing embers.