Fireplace with flame jumping sequential log lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wood burning fireplaces are not always feasible or preferred in confined locations, necessitating alternative solutions that replicate the aesthetic and sensory experience of flames without their drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A fireplace design featuring a plurality of faux logs sequentially lit by a single ignitor through flame jumping, with individual gas supply conduits and controlled by a wireless controller for an aesthetically pleasing and sound-enhancing lighting sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ignitor is used to light multiple faux logs, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to achieve sequential lighting of multiple logs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting function into segments by providing individual gas supply conduits and control mechanisms for each faux log. The controller sequentially opens gas flow to different logs in a predetermined sequence, enabling sequential lighting without requiring multiple ignitors. This segmentation of gas supply control allows the single ignitor to effectively light multiple logs in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the gas supply network with individual conduits leading to each faux log. Before ignition, the controller is programmed with the lighting sequence, and gas flow is pre-routed to the appropriate log at the appropriate time. This preliminary setup enables the single ignitor to light logs in the desired sequential pattern without requiring physical repositioning or manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If individual gas supply conduits are provided for each faux log, then sequential lighting control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is designed with multi-functionality where a single centralized gas source serves all faux logs through a network of conduits. The controller acts as a universal management device that regulates gas flow to any or all logs as needed. This universal approach allows individual conduit control for sequential lighting while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent gas supply systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the single gas source and the multiple faux logs. It manages the gas distribution by sequentially opening valves or controlling flow to individual conduits, enabling precise sequential lighting control without requiring complex manual valve operations or multiple gas sources. The intermediary controller simplifies the overall system while providing sophisticated control.
3Illumination intensity
If flame jumping is used between faux logs, then a realistic fire appearance is achieved, but control over which log ignites next becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the faux logs with their fuel sources and pre-configuring the gas supply conduits in the desired spatial arrangement. The controller is pre-programmed with the ignition sequence that corresponds to the physical layout of the logs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when flame jumps occur naturally between logs, they follow the predetermined sequence, maintaining both realism and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors which logs have been ignited and adjusts the gas supply accordingly. When a log successfully ignites via flame jumping, the controller receives feedback and proceeds to the next log in the sequence by opening gas flow to that log. This feedback loop ensures that the sequential lighting control is maintained even as flame jumping occurs naturally between logs, combining realistic appearance with controlled sequencing.
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 provides a realistic flame experience without the disadvantages of wood burning fireplaces, offering customizable lighting and sound effects while using a single ignitor and efficient gas management.
Implementation Method 1
The ignitor ignites a first faux log
Implementation Method 2
which after a time period ignites a neighboring second faux log
Implementation Method 3
After another time period, the second faux log ignites a neighboring third faux log
Data Source
AI summary
A fireplace having a plurality of faux logs sequentially lit using a single ignitor and flame jumping between the faux logs. The ignitor ignites a first faux log, which after a time period ignites a neighboring second faux log. After another time period, the second faux log ignites a neighboring third faux log and so on. The sequentially lighting of the faux logs creates an aesthetically pleasing lighting sequence, and also a pleasing sequential lighting sound. The faux logs are individually supported by a respective conduit over media disposed on an ember bed and which individually supplies gas to the respective faux log.