Flame Simulator Nozzle with Coanda Surface for Controlled Mist Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flame simulating devices for electric fireplaces require complex structures to guide mist upward, risking electrical component damage and lacking a realistic three-dimensional flame effect due to uncontrollable mist flow and exposure to air flow.

Innovation Solution

A flame simulating device with a mist generating chamber and nozzle featuring a Coanda surface, utilizing the Venturi effect and a guiding air flow to control mist direction without disturbing the mist inside the chamber, and a transparent cover to isolate the mist from electrical components, creating a thicker, more realistic flame effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a guiding air flow is introduced to direct mist upward, then the flame shape is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and electrical components are exposed to moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame shapeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the guiding air flow generation from the mist generating chamber by placing the air flow generator below the chamber, separate from the mist generation process. This allows the guiding function to be achieved without complicating the mist chamber structure or exposing electrical components to moisture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transparent cover as an intermediary element that isolates the electrical components from the mist while allowing the guiding air flow to pass through. This mediator protects the electrical system from moisture damage while maintaining the flame shaping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If a guiding air flow is introduced to direct mist upward, then the flame shape is improved, but the mist flow becomes uncontrollable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame shapeVSAvoidmist flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the air flow functions into two distinct parts: mist generation (inside the chamber) and guiding (below the chamber). By separating these functions spatially and using independent control mechanisms, the mist flow remains stable and controllable while still achieving the desired flame shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical intervention inside the mist chamber with a field-based approach (air flow field generated below the chamber) to guide the mist. This substitution maintains mist flow stability while achieving the guiding effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If the projection light irradiates upward from the bottom of the atomizing nozzle, then the flame visibility is improved, but an opening is required that exposes electrical components to moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame visibilityVSAvoidelectrical component protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover serves as an intermediary that allows light to pass through for flame visibility while simultaneously protecting electrical components from moisture. This mediator resolves the contradiction between visibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses transparent materials (such as tempered glass or transparent acrylic) that combine the properties of light transmission and moisture barrier. This composite material solution allows both flame visibility and electrical component protection to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 simplifies the structure, controls mist flow for a more realistic and denser flame simulation, protecting electrical components from moisture and enhancing the three-dimensional flame effect.

Implementation Method 1

a low pressure region is formed due to the Venturi effect at the outlet of the air nozzle, so that the air nozzle outlet forms an air flow along the direction of the mist outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

since the nozzle walls on both sides of the nozzle are set as the Coanda surfaces, the air-mist mixture entering the inlet end of the nozzle will flow along the surface of the nozzle wall, thereby the air-mist mixture is expanded, and slowly flutters out of the upper end outlet of the nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3745029B1Flame simulating device and simulated fireplace including such device
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 NINGBO RICHEN ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD
  • EP3745029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745029B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3745029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It discloses a flame simulating device which includes a mist generating chamber, an atomizing head, an air orifice and a nozzle, the inside of the mist generating chamber being provided with a liquid and the atomizing head, the atomizing head being capable of atomizing the liquid inside the mist generating chamber, the two sides of the nozzle being set as Coanda curved surfaces, the cross section of the air orifice being in a constricted shape and providing an air flow blown upward such that under the Venturi effect, the air flow blown upward by the air orifice will guide and attract the mist from inside the mist generating chamber to vent out and flow into a nozzle inlet. Due to the Coanda curved surface on the side of the nozzle, the mist flows along both sides of the nozzle under the Coanda effect and then vents out of the nozzle.