Flame Simulator Using Movable Light Beam and Range Limiter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flame simulators either require the entire flame silhouette to move, making unlit portions noticeable, or use multiple light sources to simulate movement, which is not as realistic as a single moving light spot.

Innovation Solution

A flame simulator comprising a light beam source, a stationary flame screen, and a light beam mover with a range limiter, where the light beam mover imparts movement to the light beam source to create a realistic, dancing flame effect without moving the flame silhouette, using a single light source to mimic a candle flame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the flame silhouette is forced to move by an actuator mechanism, then the flame flicker effect is achieved, but the unlit portions and edges of the silhouette become noticeable and distracting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame flicker effectVSAvoidnoticeable unlit portions and edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the movement function from the flame silhouette and transfers it to the light beam. Instead of moving the entire silhouette, only the illuminated portion (light beam) moves, creating the flame flicker effect without exposing the unlit edges of the silhouette.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the flame simulation into two independent components: a stationary flame silhouette and a moving light beam. This segmentation allows the light beam to move independently to simulate flicker while the silhouette remains stationary and hidden from view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different surfaces of the flame silhouette, then movement simulation is achieved, but the realism is reduced compared to a single moving light spot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame movement simulationVSAvoidrealism of flame effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple light sources to simulate movement (as in prior art), the patent inverts the approach by using a single light source that physically moves to create the flame flicker effect, achieving superior realism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Illumination intensity

If the flame silhouette moves to simulate flame dancing, then the flame effect is achieved, but the stationary flame silhouette is less noticeable and distracting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame dancing effectVSAvoiddistracting visibility of silhouette

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the movement function from the flame silhouette and transfers it to the light beam. The silhouette remains stationary and hidden, while the light beam carries all the movement to simulate flame dancing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the flame effect through the moving light beam that illuminates the silhouette. The light beam acts as a dynamic copy that reproduces flame movement without requiring the physical silhouette to move.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 realistic simulation of a dancing flame that is not distracting, as the flame silhouette remains stationary, and the use of a single light source enhances the realism of the flame movement, effectively addressing the limitations of previous technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a light beam source adapted to project a movable beam of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light beam mover operatively associated with the light beam source and adapted to impart movement to at least part of the light beam source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Data Source

PatentUS11421841B2Flame simulator with movable light beam

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 LOWES CO INC

AI summary

A flame simulator includes a light beam source that projects a beam of light, a flame screen, a light beam mover that imparts movement to at least a part of the light beam source, and a range limiter. The light beam source includes a light source adapted to produce light and at least one light conditioner adapted to act on the light from the light source to produce the beam of light with a color, size and shape that mimics a flame when the beam strikes the flame screen. The range limiter is operatively associated with the light beam source so that the beam of light, when being projected, strikes at least a portion of the flame screen and causes illumination of the flame screen by the beam of light.