Flameless Candle Projection Screen Optical Flame Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flameless candles with moving parts are prone to damage and require additional costly components, such as fans or magnetic systems, which can increase wear and tear and overall cost.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a side wall, base, upper surface, riser, opaque disk, projection screen, and circuitry, where the projection screen is fixed and illuminated by multiple sources of light positioned to simulate a candle flame without moving parts, using tunnels for light alignment and circuitry for independent light intensity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If moving parts are used to simulate flame movement, then the flame simulation effect is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with an optical system consisting of a projection screen and light sources. The projection screen displays flame patterns that appear to move and flicker, simulating real flame behavior without any physical movement. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical/electronic systems eliminates wear and damage associated with moving parts while maintaining the flame simulation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a projection screen to display images that copy the appearance and behavior of real flames. Instead of physically moving components to create flame-like motion, the system projects visual copies of flame patterns onto a screen, creating the illusion of moving flame without actual mechanical movement. This copying approach maintains visual realism while eliminating mechanical complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If moving parts are used to simulate flame movement, then the flame simulation effect is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with a simpler optical system. Instead of using motors, fans, or magnetic components to physically move flame-simulating elements, the invention uses a projection screen illuminated by light sources to create the visual effect of moving flame. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of flame simulation (visual appearance and motion) from the mechanical components that would traditionally provide it. By separating the visual effect generation from physical movement mechanisms, the system eliminates unnecessary mechanical parts while retaining the core flame simulation capability.
3Illumination intensity
If fans or magnetic systems are added to move flame simulation elements, then the flame movement realism is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical systems (fans, magnetic actuators) with a more cost-effective optical projection system. The projection screen and light sources provide flame movement realism through visual effects rather than physical movement, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the desired realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copying of flame patterns through projection to achieve movement realism without the need for expensive mechanical actuation systems. By projecting images that replicate flame behavior, the system achieves realism at a lower cost than would be required for mechanical movement systems.
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 effectively simulates a candle flame's movement and intensity without the need for moving parts, reducing damage and cost, while maintaining a stable and durable design.
Implementation Method 1
The first source of light may be positioned below the upper surface and configured to project light through the aperture onto the projection screen
Implementation Method 2
The second source of light positioned below the upper surface and configured to project light through the aperture onto the projection screen
Implementation Method 3
The tunnels may have interior surfaces that encourage specular reflection or diffusion depending on the desired optical effect
Data Source
AI summary
A flameless candle may include a side wall including an upper region and a lower region, a base engaged with the lower region of the side wall, and an upper surface extending from the upper region of the side wall to form an upper recess. The candle may also include a projection screen extending upwardly through an aperture in the upper surface. The position of the projection screen is fixed with respect to a position of the upper surface. Two sources of light positioned below the upper surface may project light through the aperture onto the projection screen. Circuitry may electrically connect to the first source of light and the second source of light. The circuitry may independently control each of the sources of light.