Simulated Fire Fuel Bed Using Fine Vapour for Realistic Flames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire simulation technologies fail to effectively simulate realistic flames and smoke, often relying on cumbersome setups and inefficient methods for producing smoke, which detract from the authenticity of the fire effect.
Innovation Solution
A simulated fire apparatus featuring an apertured bed with a vapour generating system using an ultrasonic transducer operating at frequencies of at least 1.7 MHz to produce finer water vapour, combined with a heat source and air flow mechanism to create a realistic smoke and flame effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ultrasonic transducers operating at lower frequencies are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vapour droplet size becomes larger and less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the ultrasonic transducer operating frequency from conventional lower frequencies to at least 1.7 MHz. This frequency parameter change directly produces finer, smaller water vapour droplets that are more stable and rise naturally, resolving the contradiction between droplet quality and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a fan heater is used to draw water vapour through the fuel bed, then the vapour flow is improved, but the vapour is heated and loses its smoke-like appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the vapour generation system by eliminating the fan heater that was previously used to draw vapour through the fuel bed. Instead, the ultrasonic transducer directly generates fine vapour droplets that rise naturally through the apertured fuel bed without additional heating, preserving the smoke-like appearance while maintaining vapour flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the natural buoyancy and upward movement of the fine vapour droplets generated by the ultrasonic transducer to move through the fuel bed without requiring external heating or forced convection. The vapour serves itself by rising naturally, eliminating the need for fan heaters.
3Reliability
If traditional smoke generation methods are used, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but the smoke effect is less realistic and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapour generation and smoke effect creation into a single integrated system. The ultrasonic transducer directly produces fine water vapour droplets that naturally rise and pass through the apertured fuel bed, creating realistic smoke effects without requiring separate fan heaters or complex smoke generation mechanisms, thus improving reliability while reducing component count.
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 apparatus provides an improved simulation of flames and smoke, enhancing the realism of fire effects by producing smaller, more stable water vapour droplets that rise naturally, eliminating the need for additional fans and creating a more authentic visual experience.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer having a transducing portion arranged operatively in liquid contacting relation with the liquid in the vessel, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to operate at a frequency of at least about 1.7 MHz
Implementation Method 2
a simulated fire apparatus featuring an apertured bed with a vapour generating system using an ultrasonic transducer operating at frequencies of at least 1.7 MHz to produce finer water vapour, combined with a heat source and air flow mechanism to create a realistic smoke and flame effect
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to simulated flame effect fires which include an apertured bed, such as a simulated fuel bed, a vapour generating means such as an ultrasonic transducer and means for providing a rising current of air to carry the vapor through the apertured bed. Light sources are provided below the fuel bed to provide localized illumination.