Flames/smoke simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flame and smoke simulation devices lack realism, are bulky, difficult to install, and lack smart connectivity and maintenance features, failing to provide a visually appealing and interactive experience while adhering to fire safety standards.

Innovation Solution

A compact flames/smoke simulating device with an ultrasound mist generator, mist and air chambers, and a light source, electronically connected to control the simulation of highly realistic flames/smoke, which can be wirelessly controlled and integrated with secondary functions like humidification and air purification, allowing for easy installation and reduced noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional fan-based flame simulation devices are used, then simulated flames can be generated, but the devices become bulky and require much installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: water tank, ultrasonic mist generator, air inlet, light source, and control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy assembly and installation in various locations without requiring large continuous spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses ultrasonic vibration to generate mist from water, replacing traditional mechanical fan systems. The ultrasonic mist generator creates fine water particles that are carried by natural air convection currents, eliminating the need for large fan housings and reducing overall device volume while maintaining flame simulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional flame simulation devices are used, then visual effects can be produced, but they lack smart connectivity and control capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmart connectivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit integrates multiple functions including wireless communication (WiFi, Bluetooth), ambient light sensing, humidity sensing, and fan speed control into a single module. This allows the device to connect with smartphone apps, respond to environmental conditions, and be controlled remotely without adding significant physical complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates sensors that detect ambient light levels and humidity, feeding this information back to the control unit which automatically adjusts mist generation and lighting intensity. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptive operation that enhances visual realism while simplifying user interaction through automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If traditional flame simulation devices are used, then flames can be simulated, but they cannot be easily controlled in terms of intensity and color

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol easeVSAvoidvisual effect precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs dynamically adjustable parameters including variable fan speeds, controllable ultrasonic mist generation intensity, and RGB LED color mixing ratios. The control unit allows real-time adjustment of these parameters through wireless communication, enabling users to precisely control flame intensity, color temperature, and movement patterns to match different atmospheric conditions and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes multiple parameters simultaneously to achieve realistic flame simulation: adjusting mist particle size through ultrasonic frequency modulation, varying air flow rate through fan speed control, and modifying light color temperature through RGB LED mixing ratios. These parameter changes are coordinated by the control unit to create natural-looking flame variations in intensity, color, and movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional flame simulation devices are used, then simulated flames can be produced, but they generate noise from fans and require regular manual cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical fan systems with ultrasonic vibration-based mist generation. The ultrasonic mist generator uses high-frequency vibrations to atomize water without moving parts that generate noise, significantly reducing operational sound levels. The system relies on natural air convection and ultrasonic field effects rather than mechanical propulsion.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism where the ultrasonic mist generation system periodically operates in reverse mode or at high intensity to flush accumulated debris from the water tank and mist generation chamber. The control unit automates this cleaning cycle, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning while maintaining hygiene and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides a highly realistic and interactive simulation of flames/smoke, ensuring safety and aesthetic appeal, with reduced installation space requirements and self-cleaning capabilities, while being pollution-free and easily controllable.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasound mist generator (6)... wherein the ultrasound mist generator is positioned within the mist chamber (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a light source (5)... the portion above the flow outlet may be illuminated by the light source (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10941912B2Flames/smoke simulation
Publication Date: 2021.03.09 FOSHAN TONGHUI ELECTRONICS FIREPLACE LTD
  • US10941912B2 patent drawing
  • US10941912B2 patent drawing
  • US10941912B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of simulating flames/smoke using a flames/smoke simulating device or system.