Flexible PCB Simulated Flame Device with Dual Diffusers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical lighting devices that simulate a flame are not portable and often expensive, lacking a scalable solution for a larger flame effect.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a flexible PCB with light sources arranged to create a 360-degree flame effect, using multiple diffusers to enhance realism, and programmable LEDs for dynamic lighting patterns, allowing for various shapes and configurations such as cylindrical, hexagonal, or flat designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electric fireplaces are used to produce simulated flame, then flame effect is achieved, but portability is lost and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible PCB (printed circuit board) that can be bent and conform to various shapes, replacing rigid traditional circuit boards. This flexible PCB contains LED light sources and driving circuits that can be configured in different arrangements (cylindrical, conical, flat) to create simulated flame effects while maintaining portability. The flexible nature of the PCB enables the device to be portable unlike traditional electric fireplaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical heating systems with LED light sources that emit light to simulate flame effects. Instead of using actual combustion or thermal radiation mechanisms, the invention uses electronically controlled LEDS arranged in specific patterns to create the visual appearance of flame, thereby reducing cost and improving portability while maintaining the flame effect.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid PCB is used, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly complexity increases due to wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the LED light sources directly onto the flexible PCB, merging the lighting function with the circuit board structure. This eliminates the need for separate wire connections between rigid PCB and LED components, thereby simplifying assembly. The flexible PCB serves as both the structural support and the electrical connection medium, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible PCB acts as a thin film structure that can be easily formed into various shapes (cylindrical, conical, flat) while maintaining electrical connectivity. This flexible approach eliminates the need for complex wire routing and connections required by rigid PCB systems, thereby reducing assembly complexity while preserving structural integrity through the flexible substrate.
3Device complexity
If single diffuser is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but flame realism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the diffusing function into multiple separate diffusers rather than using a single diffuser element. Multiple diffusers are arranged at different positions and orientations to create a more realistic flame effect by segmenting the light path and creating multiple scattering zones. This segmentation approach enhances flame realism while keeping each individual diffuser component simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple diffusers at different spatial dimensions and orientations around the LED light sources. Instead of a single planar diffuser, the invention uses diffusers arranged in three-dimensional space (cylindrical, conical, or flat configurations) to create a more realistic flame appearance by adding dimensional complexity to the light scattering process.
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 portable, cost-effective, and realistic flame simulation with dynamic lighting effects, enhancing the visual experience by using flexible PCBs and diffusers to create a more immersive and natural flame appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources disposed on a flexible PCB that are each illuminated according to a program stored in a memory to create a 360 degree effect of moving flames
Implementation Method 2
First and second diffusers can be disposed about the plurality of light sources such that the light sources are viewed through both the first and second diffusers. The use of two diffusers rather than a single diffuser creates a more realistic flame effect
Data Source
AI summary
Simulated flame devices are shown and described having first and second diffusers, each with a sheet having a series of lines etched or embedded on the sheet. A PCB is disposed behind the first and second diffusers and comprises a plurality of light sources disposed or embedded on the PCB. The first and second diffusers may wrap about the PCB to create a 360 degree effect, and the diffusers themselves act to stretch the light emanated from the light sources in a vertical direction. The use of the two diffusers along with changing a brightness of some or all of the light sources over time simulates a moving flame.