Portable Simulated Flame Nozzles Using Water Mist and LED Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame simulating devices are bulky, complex, costly, and lack portability, producing low-quality two-dimensional flame simulations, making them unsuitable for portable use in theatrical and musical productions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable apparatus using a manifold with discharge nozzles, compressed air, and pressurized water to create micron-sized water droplet plumes, combined with adjustable LED lighting for realistic flame effects, allowing for modular setup and control via a computer-based system to vary flame height and color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If steam-based apparatus is used to produce simulated flame effects, then flame simulation quality is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steam generation function from the system by using pre-compressed air and pressurized water instead of generating steam through heating. This eliminates the need for complex steam generators, heat sources, and associated safety systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the visual effect of simulated flames through water vaporization in the compressed air stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical steam generation system with a pneumatic-hydraulic system. Instead of using heat to convert water to steam, the invention uses compressed air to atomize pressurized water through specialized nozzles, creating fine water droplets that visually simulate flame. This substitution eliminates complex thermal management systems while achieving the desired visual effect.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed installation apparatus is used for flame simulation, then flame effect quality is improved, but portability and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flame simulation system into separate modular components: compressed air storage, water storage, control systems, and discharge nozzles. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and easily reconfigured for different performance requirements. The modular design enables the system to be transported and reinstalled in different locations, providing portability and adaptability for various theatrical and event settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the system with universal applicability by using standardized interfaces and modular components that can be configured for different flame sizes, shapes, and intensities. The same basic system architecture can serve multiple functions and be deployed in various venues, from small stages to large auditoriums, eliminating the need for custom fixed installations for each application.
3Device complexity
If simple two-dimensional flame images are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flame simulation quality and realism are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional projected flame images to three-dimensional volumetric flame simulation. By using multiple discharge nozzles arranged in arrays and controlling the interaction between compressed air and pressurized water, the system creates volumetric plumes of water vapor that occupy three-dimensional space. This dimensional transformation provides realistic flame effects with depth, volume, and spatial presence that cannot be achieved with flat projections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by independently controlling the discharge parameters of each nozzle in the array. Each nozzle can be adjusted to produce specific flame characteristics in its local region, allowing for complex three-dimensional flame patterns. The control system modulates individual nozzle outputs to create varying flame intensities, shapes, and movements throughout the volumetric display space, enhancing realism without requiring overly complex centralized control.
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 highly realistic, three-dimensional flame simulation that is safe, cost-effective, and adaptable for various settings, offering improved portability and flexibility in flame effects, suitable for both small and large venues.
Implementation Method 1
a control device for supplying the compressed air and the compressed water to the discharge nozzles for proportioning the compressed air and water such that each discharge nozzles creates a plume of water vapor, consisting of micron sized water droplets
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light sources adapted for delivering a mixture of colored lighting, disposed in proximity to the plume and directed thereto, such that the light mixing and reflecting from the plume creates a simulated flame effect
Data Source
AI summary
A special effect device for producing a simulated flame effect includes a plurality of discharge nozzles, a source of compressed air, a source of pressurized water, and a control device for supplying the compressed air and the compressed water to the discharge nozzles for proportioning the compressed air and water such that each discharge nozzles creates a plume of water vapor, consisting of micron sized water droplets. A plurality of light sources configured to deliver a mixture of colored lighting, is disposed in proximity to the plume and directed thereto, such that the light mixing and reflecting from the plume creates a simulated flame effect.