Integrated Flame Screen and Ember Bed With Single-Source Flicker Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated fireplaces require additional backlighting components, increasing manufacturing and operational costs, and often have complex designs with many parts, which can be fragile and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly with a reflected flickering light system using a rotating flicker rod with multiple elements, a single light source, and an integrated ember bed and flame screen, which reduces the need for additional lighting and simplifies the design by using a single piece of plastic for the ember bed and flame screen, creating a more realistic flame effect with fewer parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the fuel bed separately, then the visual realism of the simulated fire is improved, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source behind the flame screen performs multiple functions: it illuminates the flame screen to create the flame effect, and simultaneously illuminates the fuel bed through the angled reflector to create the ember effect. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backlighting components while maintaining visual realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flame illumination function and fuel bed illumination function into a single integrated lighting system. The light source, flame screen, and angled reflector work together as one unified system, merging what were previously separate lighting functions into a single cost-effective solution.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate light source is used to illuminate the fuel bed, then the glowing ember effect is enhanced, but the electrical needs and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source is designed to serve dual purposes: creating the flame effect on the screen and creating the glowing ember effect on the fuel bed. This eliminates the need for a second light source, thereby reducing electrical consumption while maintaining both visual effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled reflector acts as an intermediary that redirects light from the single light source onto the fuel bed. This mediator enables the single light source to effectively illuminate the fuel bed and create the glowing ember effect without requiring additional electrical power.
3Illumination intensity
If false back walls are added to soften flame edges, then the visual quality of simulated flames is improved, but the device depth and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flame screen and fuel bed assembly are merged into a single integrated unit with a shallow profile. This integration eliminates the need for separate false back walls while maintaining visual quality, as the light reflection and flame shaping occur within the compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a deep, multi-layered construction with separate back walls to a shallow, integrated design where flame effects are created through angular reflection and light manipulation within a compact footprint, effectively moving the solution to another dimensional approach.
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 cost-effective, compact, and realistic flame simulation with reduced electrical needs, enhancing the visual effect of simulated flames and embers while minimizing component complexity and fragility.
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 though 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.