Gas Fireplace Light-Source Glowing Effect to Reduce Flame Height Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional decorative gas fireplaces struggle to replicate an authentic wood fire effect, as the heating of ceramic elements diminishes the visible flame height and visual appeal, and existing solutions are inefficient in managing heat and gas consumption.
Innovation Solution
A gas fireplace design incorporating a separate light source to create a glowing effect on fireplace elements, controlled independently of the burner, along with a light conductor to direct light and enhance the visual authenticity, and optional features like a spark simulator and smoke simulator to simulate a fire, while managing heat and gas usage effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If ceramic elements are heated to create a glowing effect, then the visual authenticity of the fireplace is improved, but the visible flame height is reduced and gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fireplace system into separate functional components: a burner element for producing flames and a lighting element for creating the glowing effect. This segmentation allows independent control of flame height and glowing intensity, resolving the contradiction by enabling both functions to operate optimally without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The glowing effect function is extracted from the heating process. Instead of using the burner to heat ceramic elements for glow, a separate lighting element is introduced. This extraction eliminates the trade-off between flame height and glowing effect, as the lighting element provides glow without consuming gas or reducing flame size.
2Illumination intensity
If ceramic elements are heated to create a glowing effect, then the visual authenticity of the fireplace is improved, but gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glowing effect function is extracted from the gas combustion process and assigned to a separate lighting element. This extraction eliminates the direct consumption of gas for creating glow, as the lighting element uses electrical energy instead, thereby resolving the contradiction between glowing effect and gas consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter from thermal (gas combustion) to electrical (lighting element). This parameter change allows the glowing effect to be achieved without increasing gas consumption, as the lighting element operates independently on electrical power.
3Length of moving object
If more gas is supplied to increase flame height, then the visual effect is improved, but the heating of fireplace elements increases which reduces visible flame height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functions of flame production and glowing effect into separate elements. The burner element focuses on producing visible flames without the need to heat ceramic elements for glow, while the lighting element handles the glowing effect. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by eliminating the competing thermal demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (heating ceramic elements to produce glow) with an optical/electrical mechanism (lighting element). This substitution eliminates the unwanted heating of fireplace elements while maintaining the desired glowing effect, allowing flame height to be increased without the counterproductive heating effect.
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 allows for a realistic glowing effect and reduced gas consumption, enabling a more authentic visual representation of a wood fire with improved heat management and flexibility in usage, meeting both decorative and heating demands.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to provide the glowing effect on at least a part of the one or more fireplace elements
Implementation Method 2
at least one burner element arranged in the housing for the purpose of providing a flame pattern in the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fireplace provided with a glowing effect and method therefor. The fireplace comprises: - a housing provided with a combustion space with one or more fireplace elements; - at least one burner element arranged in the housing for the purpose of providing a flame pattern in the housing; - control means for controlling the at least one burner element; and - a light source configured to provide the glowing effect on at least a part of the one or more fireplace elements.