Integrated Flame Screen and Ember Bed With Single-Source Flicker Optics
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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, leading to a less realistic flame effect and larger size.
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 number of parts and costs while enhancing realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional backlighting components are used to illuminate the fuel bed separately, then the fuel bed can be lit independently, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flame simulation light source performs multiple functions: it creates the flame effect through the flame screen and simultaneously illuminates the fuel bed by reflecting off the angled reflector. This eliminates the need for separate backlighting components while maintaining the ability to light the fuel bed effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flame illumination function and fuel bed illumination function into a single light source system. The reflected flickering light system uses one light source that serves both purposes, merging what were previously separate lighting functions into a unified system.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate light source is used to light the simulated fuel bed, then the fuel bed appears illuminated, but the electrical needs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source provides both flame illumination and fuel bed illumination, eliminating the need for a second light source and reducing electrical consumption while maintaining adequate illumination of the fuel bed through the reflector system.
3Illumination intensity
If false back walls with two-way mirrored surfaces are added to soften flame edges, then the flame appearance is improved, but the device depth and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding depth with false back walls, the patent uses an angled reflector positioned at a specific angle to achieve flame edge softening through light reflection geometry. This approach achieves the same visual effect in a more space-efficient manner by utilizing angular relationships rather than additional depth.
4Reliability
If multiple components (light source, rotating reflector, flame screen, false back wall) are assembled, then the flame simulation function is achieved, but the device becomes more fragile in transit and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flame screen and fuel bed into a single assembly, reducing the number of separate components. This consolidation maintains the flame simulation function while making the device more robust during transit and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflected flickering light system uses a single light source that performs multiple functions (flame creation and fuel bed illumination), reducing the total number of components needed while maintaining all necessary simulation functions.
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 and compact flame simulation with reduced electrical needs and manufacturing costs, achieving a more pronounced and realistic flame effect with fewer components.
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 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 clipping” 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.