Simulated Fireplace Flame Assembly With Single-Source Reflective Flicker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated fireplaces require additional backlighting components, increasing manufacturing and operational costs, and have complex designs with many parts, leading to poor flame projection quality and large housing sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly with a reflected flickering light system using a rotating flicker rod with multiple elements, which creates a fluttering light effect to simulate burning logs and embers, and a non-continuous flame screen with sharper edges, reducing the need for separate backlighting and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the fuel bed and logs, then the visual effect of burning embers and logs is improved, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source performs multiple functions: it illuminates the flame screen to create the flame effect, and simultaneously illuminates the fuel bed and logs through the angled reflector to create the burning ember effect. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backlighting components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining visual effect quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled reflector acts as an intermediary that redirects light from the single light source onto the fuel bed and logs. This mediator enables the light to reach areas that would otherwise require separate lighting components, achieving effective illumination of burning embers and logs while using only one light source.
2Illumination intensity
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the fuel bed and logs, then the visual effect of burning embers and logs is improved, but the electrical needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source performs multiple functions: it illuminates the flame screen to create the flame effect, and simultaneously illuminates the fuel bed and logs through the angled reflector to create the burning ember effect. This multi-functionality reduces electrical needs by eliminating redundant lighting components while maintaining visual effect quality.
3Illumination intensity
If false back walls are added to soften the edges of simulated flames, then the visual quality of flames is improved, but the device depth and housing size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light source and flame screen configuration that directly projects flame patterns without requiring physical depth for false back walls. The flame effect is created by light passing through the flame screen, which copies the appearance of real flames without needing the substantial depth that physical false back walls would require.
4Illumination intensity
If multiple separate light sources are used for flames and fuel bed, then the visual realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source performs multiple functions: illuminating the flame screen for flame effects and illuminating the fuel bed and logs through the angled reflector for burning ember effects. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating separate lighting components while maintaining visual realism through strategic light placement and reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled reflector serves as an intermediary that enables a single light source to effectively illuminate multiple areas (flame screen and fuel bed/logs), reducing the number of components needed while achieving comprehensive visual realism.
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 more realistic flame simulation with fewer parts, lower costs, and a more compact design, reducing electrical needs and enhancing the visual effect of simulated flames and embers.
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 one or more reflectors, or mirrors, that reflect 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 dipping 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.