Flame simulating assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fireplace screens that diffuse light across their entire surface limit arrangement options and provide unconvincing flame simulation effects, depending on the observer's perspective.
Innovation Solution
A flame simulating assembly with a screen featuring translucent, transparent regions, and a fringe region that includes diffusing and transparent areas, along with a flicker element to intermittently reflect light, providing a more realistic flame simulation by creating images of flames in predetermined portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the entire rear surface of the screen is treated to diffuse light, then light diffusion is achieved across the full area, but the flame simulation effect becomes unconvincing and arrangement options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into distinct regions with different optical properties: a translucent region for flame image projection, a transparent region for unobstructed viewing, and a fringe region with alternating diffusing and transparent areas. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between overall light diffusion and convincing flame simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen surface is segmented into multiple functional zones rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. The fringe region is further segmented into alternating diffusing and transparent areas, creating a pattern that simulates realistic flame separation and improves visual authenticity while maintaining arrangement flexibility.
2Illumination intensity
If a uniform diffusing screen is used, then light is diffused across the entire area, but the flame images appear unconvincing from certain observer perspectives
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the screen provide different optical characteristics adapted to various viewing angles and positions. The transparent regions allow direct viewing of light sources from certain angles, while diffusing areas provide flame images from others, making the system adaptable to multiple observer perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to observer position through its heterogeneous screen structure. As viewers move, they experience different visual effects from different screen regions, creating a dynamic viewing experience that maintains flame simulation effectiveness across various perspectives.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the screen fully diffuses light, then mechanical elements are concealed, but flame simulation realism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is segmented to provide selective concealment: diffusing areas hide mechanical elements while transparent areas allow viewing of light sources and flame effects. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by concealing only where necessary while preserving realism where critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent and transparent regions act as intermediaries between the mechanical light sources and the viewer, selectively filtering visibility. These intermediary regions allow the system to conceal mechanical elements while maintaining flame simulation realism through controlled light transmission.
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 enhances the realism of flame simulation by providing a gradual transition between translucent and transparent regions, simulating the separation of flames and concealing mechanical elements, resulting in a more convincing and immersive visual experience.
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
Implementation Method 3
The fringe region includes a number of diffusing areas for diffusing the light from the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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.