Flame Simulation Assembly With Layered Fuel Bed Depth Illusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame simulating assemblies for electric fireplaces lack realism due to their shallow depth, which undermines the simulation effect compared to actual fireplaces, as they typically have less depth and therefore appear less immersive.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly that includes a screen with a front surface positioned in the path of light from a light source, featuring observation and viewing regions, along with simulated interior fireplace walls and fuel beds, to create a more immersive and realistic flame simulation by allowing partial observation of the fireplace walls and fuel beds, and using background light sources to simulate flickering firelight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the depth of the flame simulating assembly is increased to improve realism, then the simulation effect is enhanced, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places a first simulated fuel bed in front of the screen and a second simulated fuel bed behind the screen, with the second fuel bed positioned to appear continuous with the first. This nested arrangement creates the illusion of greater depth without proportionally increasing the physical depth of the assembly, resolving the contradiction between simulation realism and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a screen that is partially reflective and partially transmissive to create a virtual image of the first simulated fuel bed. This optical copying technique allows observers to perceive depth and realism without requiring the physical space corresponding to that depth, thus enhancing simulation effect while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If a screen is added to enable observation of interior fireplace walls, then the realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the flame image, reflects light to create the virtual image of the fuel bed, and allows observation of the simulated interior fireplace walls. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced realism without adding separate components for each function, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is divided into different regions with different optical properties: a first region that is partially reflective for creating the virtual image, and a second region that is partially transmissive for observing the interior walls. This local differentiation optimizes each region's function while using a single integrated screen component, balancing realism enhancement with structural simplicity.
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
Enhances the realism of the flame simulation by providing a deeper and more immersive visual experience, allowing observers to see parts of the simulated fireplace walls and fuel beds, and mimicking the flickering effect of actual firelight, thereby improving the overall simulation effect.
Implementation Method 1
a screen having a front surface which is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted for transmission of the image of flames through the screen. The screen is adapted to permit observation of at least part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.
Implementation Method 2
the viewing region is partially reflective, for providing a virtual image of at least part of the first simulated fuel bed.
Implementation Method 3
one or more background light sources for providing light to at least partially illuminate the simulated interior fireplace wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly includes one or more light sources for producing the image of flames and a screen with a front surface and positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted for transmission of the images of flames through the screen. The assembly also includes one or more simulated interior fireplace walls positioned behind the screen, a first simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the screen and a second simulated fuel bed positioned behind the screen and at least partially viewable through the screen. The screen is adapted to permit observation of at least part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.