Flame simulating assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fireplaces with screens that diffuse light throughout their entire rear surface impose limitations on element arrangement and provide unconvincing flame simulation effects, depending on the observer's perspective.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly featuring a screen with translucent, transparent, and fringe regions, where the translucent region diffuses light, the transparent region provides minimal diffusion, and the fringe region offers a gradual transition between the two, along with a flicker element for intermittent light reflection, creating a more realistic flame simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the entire rear surface of the screen is treated to diffuse light transmitted therethrough, then light diffusion is improved, but the flame simulation effect becomes unconvincing and element arrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into multiple distinct regions: a translucent region with light-diffusing treatment, a transparent region with minimal diffusion, and a fringe region between them. This segmentation allows different portions of the screen to serve different functions - the translucent region provides flame simulation, the transparent region maintains visibility, and the fringe region creates a gradual transition, thereby resolving the contradiction between light diffusion and flame simulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the screen are given different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The translucent region has strong light-diffusing properties for convincing flame simulation, the transparent region has minimal diffusion for clear visibility, and the fringe region has intermediate properties. This local differentiation of quality allows each region to optimize its performance without compromising the overall system.
2Illumination intensity
If the entire rear surface of the screen is treated to diffuse light, then light transmission is improved, but the arrangement of mechanical elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the screen into translucent, transparent, and fringe regions, the invention creates distinct zones with different optical characteristics. This allows mechanical elements to be strategically positioned in the transparent region where visibility is maintained, while light-diffusing elements can be placed in the translucent region, thereby enabling more flexible and less constrained element arrangement compared to uniform diffusion treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fringe region acts as an intermediary zone between the translucent and transparent regions, providing a gradual transition in optical properties. This intermediate region serves as a buffer zone that facilitates the coexistence of different element types and arrangements, reducing the constraints on mechanical element positioning while maintaining overall light transmission effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a flicker element is added for intermittent light reflection, then flame simulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flicker element is designed to rotate under its own weight or minimal actuation, using gravity and simple mechanical advantage to create the intermittent light reflection effect. This self-service mechanism avoids the need for complex electronic controls, motors, or power sources, thereby improving flame simulation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic flame simulation systems with a simple mechanical flicker element that uses basic principles of light reflection and rotation. This mechanical approach, while adding a component, eliminates the need for sophisticated electronics, control systems, and power management, resulting in a net reduction or minimal increase in overall device complexity.
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 assembly provides a more convincing and realistic flame simulation by controlling light diffusion and reflection, enhancing the visual experience while concealing mechanical elements, thus overcoming the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a screen including a translucent region which subjects the light from the light source transmitted therethrough to diffusion
Implementation Method 2
a flicker element for intermittently reflecting the light from the light source toward the back surface of the screen, to provide images of flames
Implementation Method 3
The fringe region includes a number of diffusing areas for diffusing the light from the light source and a number of transparent areas positioned between the diffusing areas, to at least partially provide images of flames
Data Source
AI summary
A flame simulating assembly including a light source, a screen having a translucent region which subjects light from the light source transmitted therethrough to diffusion and a transparent region, and a flicker element for intermittently reflecting the light from the light source toward the screen, to provide images of flames in a predetermined portion thereof. The screen includes a fringe region positioned between the translucent region and the transparent region. The fringe region includes a number of diffusing areas for diffusing the light from the light source and a number of transparent areas positioned between the diffusing areas, to at least partially provide images of flames in the diffusing areas.