Kinetic Flame Device Using Magnetic Pendulum Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional candle flame simulators fail to convincingly replicate the kinetic and random light movement of a real flame, especially at short distances, due to their complexity and require high maintenance and energy, making them unsuitable for long-term use in various environments.
Innovation Solution
The kinetic flame device employs a drive mechanism generating a time-varying electromagnetic field to interact with pendulum members, creating chaotic motion and light effects that mimic a flickering flame, without direct modulation of the complex interaction, using a housing with multiple stages and a light source to project light onto a flame silhouette element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flame simulation devices use complex control mechanisms to replicate flame movement, then the realism of flame simulation improves, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet is suspended in a magnetic field generated by a coil assembly, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, motors, or computer-controlled mechanisms while achieving realistic flame-like motion through magnetic interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural interaction between the magnet and the magnetic field to generate flame-like motion autonomously. The magnet responds to changes in magnetic field strength and direction, creating realistic flickering and waving motions without requiring external control mechanisms or power sources beyond the basic coil assembly.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional flame simulators use substantial energy inputs and frequent battery replacement, then the flame effect can be maintained, but the operating costs and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system requires minimal energy input to generate realistic flame motion. The coil assembly creates magnetic fields that naturally interact with the magnet, producing sustained flickering and waving effects without requiring substantial continuous energy input or battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic changes in magnetic field strength and direction to generate flame-like motion. By cycling the magnetic field in patterns that mimic natural flame behavior, the system achieves realistic illumination effects with intermittent rather than continuous high-energy input.
3Measurement precision
If conventional candles are used to create realistic flame effects, then the natural flame appearance is achieved, but safety issues arise due to flame and heat presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces combustion-based flame generation with a magnetic field and light-based system. A magnet suspended in a magnetic field creates motion that, when combined with illumination, produces the appearance of a real flame without actual fire, heat, or combustion byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses light sources to illuminate the moving magnet, creating the visual appearance of flame colors and intensities. By controlling the light properties and their interaction with the magnet's motion, the system reproduces the aesthetic qualities of real flames without the harmful thermal and combustion aspects.
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 produces a convincing and realistic simulation of a flickering flame with reduced maintenance and energy requirements, adaptable to various form factors and applications, effectively replicating the kinetic light output of a conventional candle flame.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism, such as an electric coil, for generating a time varying electromagnetic field that extends into the first stage. The first end is positioned proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the time varying electromagnetic field to kinetically displace the first stage pendulum member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.