Electric Fireplace Optical Assembly for Multi-Color Flame Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fireplaces lack multi-functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering only single-color flames and limited functionality compared to traditional fireplaces.
Innovation Solution
An electric fireplace design incorporating a housing with a projection screen, plastic screen, plastic crystals, first and second illuminating devices, a flame image plate, and a rotatable reflection assembly, which project and reflect colored lights to create a realistic, multi-colored flame effect through the use of multiple chips in each light and a controller for dynamic color and movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-color flame is used in existing electric fireplaces, then the device structure is simple, but the aesthetic appeal and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminating device is segmented into multiple independent light sources (first lights with first chips, second lights with second chips) that can be controlled separately. Each light source can emit different colors, allowing the system to create various flame color combinations by activating specific segments, thus achieving color variety without requiring a completely complex new structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminating device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both first lights (for plastic crystal illumination) and second lights (for flame image projection), as well as multiple chip types in each light. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions: creating different flame colors, illuminating plastic crystals, and producing various visual effects, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple illuminating devices with multiple chips are added to achieve multi-colored flames, then the flame realism and aesthetic appeal improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate optical components (projection screen, plastic screen, flame image plate, reflection assembly) that mediate between the light sources and the final visual effect. These intermediaries help organize and control the light paths, making the complex multi-light system more manageable. The projection screen and flame image plate act as intermediaries that separate different light functions, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining rich visual effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the optical system by positioning lights, screens, and reflection assemblies at different locations and angles. The first lights project downward onto the plastic screen, while second lights project upward onto the flame image plate and reflection assembly. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple light sources to coexist without excessive complexity, as each operates in a different spatial zone, improving flame visual effects through multi-dimensional light control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-function fireplaces are replaced with multi-functional electric fireplaces, then the functionality and aesthetic appeal improve, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated fireplace unit. The housing combines the projection screen, plastic screen, plastic crystals, first illuminating device, flame image plate, reflection assembly, and second illuminating device into one compact structure. By merging these components that provide different functions (flame projection, crystal illumination, color variation) into a single unit, the design achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate devices, thus limiting the increase in overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where smaller components are positioned within or between larger structural elements. The plastic crystals are disposed on the plastic screen which is positioned in front of the projection screen. The flame image plate and reflection assembly are nested within the housing structure. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, achieving high functionality within a compact volume.
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 the realism and aesthetic appeal of the flame effect, allowing for single or multi-colored flames, improving user experience and market prospects while reducing material usage and space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first lights comprises at least two different chips. The first illuminating device projects at least one colored light on the plastic screen, and then the light is reflected to the plastic crystals.
Implementation Method 2
The first illuminating device projects at least one colored light on the plastic screen, and then the light is reflected to the plastic crystals.
Implementation Method 3
Each of the second lights comprises at least two different chips. The second illuminating device projects at least one colored light on the reflection assembly, and then the light is reflected to the projection screen.
Implementation Method 4
The second illuminating device projects at least one colored light on the reflection assembly, and then the light is reflected to the projection screen.
Implementation Method 5
The reflection assembly is rotatable. The second illuminating device comprises a second circuit board and a plurality of second lights disposed on the second circuit board. Each of the second lights comprises at least two different chips. The second illuminating device projects at least one colored light on the reflection assembly, and then the light is reflected to the projection screen.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric fireplace having multi-function flame includes a housing, a projection screen, a plastic screen, plastic crystals, a first illuminating device, a flame image plate, a reflection assembly, and a second illuminating device. The first illuminating device can shoot a single color or two colors or a combination of more than two colors of light. The second illuminating device includes a plurality of second lights disposed on a second circuit board. Each of the second lights includes at least two different chips. The second illuminating device can shoot a single color or two colors or a combination of more than two colors of light. The present invention can generate single or multi-color flame to achieve a multi-function purpose. The change effect of the movement and color of the flame can be more perfect and realistic and appreciation.