Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a flame screen having non-continuous flame segments
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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 and a light source that creates a dancing ember effect without additional backlighting, combined with a non-continuous flame screen and integrated ember bed for a more realistic and compact design.
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 to create the ember effect. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backlighting components, reducing both manufacturing and operational costs while maintaining visual realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flame illumination and fuel bed illumination into a single lighting system. The light source and flame screen assembly serve dual purposes, merging what were traditionally separate functions into one integrated component, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a continuous flame screen is used, then the flame coverage is improved, but the edges appear softer and less realistic
Solution Approach 1:
The flame screen is designed with non-continuous flame segments rather than a continuous pattern. This segmentation creates distinct, well-defined flame shapes with sharper edges, improving the visual realism of the simulated fire while maintaining adequate flame coverage through strategic placement of the segments.
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
Reduces manufacturing costs and electrical needs by using a single light source for both flame and ember simulation, providing a more realistic and compact flame appearance with fewer parts.
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.