LED Light Engine Flame Simulation Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting technologies fail to effectively simulate the appearance of a flame, lacking in realism and dynamic effects such as flickering and wind-induced movement.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a housing with a shroud and base, featuring a plurality of LEDs emitting light through an emission area. A control circuit communicates with each LED, using fuel values and wind point distances to simulate a flame by actuating LEDs in a manner that mimics the intensity, color, and movement of a real flame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting technologies are used, then the lighting function is achieved, but the ability to simulate flame appearance and dynamic effects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device divides the flame simulation into multiple LED groupings (first, second, third groupings) arranged at different vertical positions. Each grouping can be independently controlled to simulate different portions of a flame (base, middle, top), allowing complex flame dynamics to be achieved through coordinated control of simpler individual LED groups rather than requiring each LED to be individually complex
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the actuation values of LED groupings based on simulated fuel values and wind conditions. The system creates time-varying illumination patterns that mimic the natural flickering and movement of flames, transitioning from static lighting to dynamic flame simulation through controlled temporal variations in LED output
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple LED groupings are used to simulate flame dynamics, then the visual realism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different LED groupings are assigned different actuation characteristics based on their vertical positions. The first grouping (lowermost) responds differently to fuel values and wind effects compared to the second and third groupings (upper positions). This local differentiation allows each grouping to simulate the specific behavior of flames at different heights, creating overall flame consistency through localized control strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses a unified set of parameters (fuel values, wind point distances) to control multiple LED groupings simultaneously. The same control logic and parameter system serves multiple functions: determining actuation values for different groupings, simulating fuel consumption effects, and creating wind-induced flame movement, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each LED grouping
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic actuation values are calculated based on fuel and wind parameters, then the flame simulation realism is enhanced, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls flame simulation realism by changing key parameters: fuel values (affecting flame intensity and color), wind point distances (affecting flame movement and shape), and actuation values (affecting LED brightness and timing). By systematically varying these parameters, the system achieves diverse flame behaviors without requiring complex algorithms, as each parameter change directly translates to a specific visual 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 achieves a highly realistic simulation of a flame, including dynamic effects like flickering and wind-induced movement, enhancing the visual appeal and immersion in lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of LEDs is encased in the shroud for emitting light through the emission area
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device has a power interface and a control circuit in communication with a program and the LEDs to simulate a flame. The program determines a first group of LED control integers to simulate a perpetual middle with a perpetual middle center and a perpetual middle range within which one or more of the LEDs are to be at least partially actuated. At least one LED is actuated based on the first group of LED control integers. A first target for simulating movement of the perpetual middle center toward the first target and a first acceleration value is defined. The program determines a second group of LED control integers based on the first target and the first acceleration value such that the perpetual middle center becomes closer to the first target. One or more of the LEDs is actuated based on the second group of LED control integers.