Flame Simulating Assembly With Single-Source Flicker and Ember Lighting
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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, which are often fragile and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly with a reflected flickering light system using a rotating flicker rod and a light source that creates a dancing ember effect without additional backlighting, combined with a non-continuous flame screen and integrated ember bed, reducing the need for separate lighting and parts, and utilizing a single light source to simulate both flames and embers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the flame screen and fuel bed separately, then the visual realism of the fire effect is improved, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source is used to perform multiple functions: illuminating the flame screen through the rotating reflector and simultaneously illuminating the fuel bed through the stationary reflector. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate backlighting components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining visual realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the illumination functions for the flame screen and fuel bed into a single integrated lighting system. By merging these functions into one light source with multiple reflectors, the design reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired visual effect.
2Illumination intensity
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the flame screen and fuel bed separately, then the visual realism of the fire effect is improved, but the electrical needs and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source performs multiple illumination functions, reducing electrical consumption compared to multiple separate light sources. The rotating reflector directs light to the flame screen while the stationary reflector directs light to the fuel bed, achieving comprehensive illumination with one energy source.
3Illumination intensity
If false back walls and additional components are added to soften edges and enhance flame effect, then the visual realism is improved, but the device complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of edge softening and flame enhancement into the reflector system and flame screen design, eliminating the need for separate false back walls. The rotating reflector with specific geometry and the flame screen with tapered edges work together to achieve the desired visual effect with fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes unnecessary components such as false back walls from the design, retaining only the essential elements (light source, rotating reflector, stationary reflector, flame screen) needed to achieve the visual effect. This simplification reduces device complexity and fragility.
4Illumination intensity
If separate light sources are used to light the fuel bed and flame screen, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source is designed to illuminate both the flame screen and fuel bed simultaneously through the use of multiple reflectors. The rotating reflector handles flame screen illumination while the stationary reflector handles fuel bed illumination, achieving comprehensive coverage without increasing part count.
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 more realistic flame simulation with reduced electrical needs and manufacturing costs, achieving a compact and cost-effective design with fewer parts, while enhancing the visual realism of the fire effect.
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
Implementation Method 3
The dipping flicker elements creates a fluttering light effect due to the flicker elements 'intermittently dipping' into the light path
Implementation Method 4
A significant portion of the emitted light is also reflected from the flicker elements and up through a screen wall with flame-shaped slots and openings, and onto an imaging screen or wall, to further simulate flames
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.