Simulated Flame Device Using Flexible PCB and Laser-Etched Diffusers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical lighting devices that simulate a flame are not portable and often expensive, lacking a scalable flame effect in a compact form.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a flexible PCB with light sources arranged to create a 360-degree flame effect, utilizing two diffusers with laser-etched parallel lines to enhance realism, allowing for a cylindrical shape and simplified assembly, and enabling wireless control through a processor and memory for programmable illumination patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If electric fireplaces are used to produce simulated flame, then flame effect is achieved, but portability is lost and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible PCB (printable circuit board) that can be bent and shaped into a cylindrical form factor, enabling the device to be portable while maintaining the flame simulation functionality. The flexible PCB allows the light sources to be arranged in a curved configuration that matches the cylindrical housing, creating an immersive 360-degree flame effect that can be deployed in compact, movable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical heating systems with LED light sources that simulate flame effects. Instead of using actual combustion or heating elements, the invention uses electronically controlled LEDs arranged in specific patterns to create the visual appearance of fire, eliminating the need for complex mechanical combustion systems while maintaining the flame effect and enabling portability.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are arranged on flexible PCB to create 360 degree flame effect, then flame simulation realism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sources directly onto the flexible PCB, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and connection components. By integrating the LEDs with the PCB structure, the invention reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the complex 360-degree flame effect through coordinated control of multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical housing configuration with light sources arranged along a curved surface to create a 360-degree immersive flame effect. The flexible PCB is shaped into a cylinder that conforms to the housing curvature, allowing light sources to be positioned optimally around the entire circumference. This curved arrangement enhances the realism of the flame simulation by providing uniform illumination from all angles while maintaining a compact, portable form factor.
3Illumination intensity
If two diffusers with laser-etched lines are used, then flame effect realism is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses laser-etching technology to create precise patterns on the diffuser material, transforming the manufacturing process into a high-precision digital etching operation. By using laser parameters (power, speed, pattern density) to control the etching depth and line width, the invention achieves the desired flame diffusion effect with consistent precision. The laser-etched lines create controlled light scattering patterns that enhance the realism of the flame effect while maintaining manufacturability through automated processing.
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 portable, cost-effective, and realistic flame simulation with adjustable light patterns, enhancing the visual effect by using multiple PCBs and diffusers to create a more immersive experience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources disposed on a flexible PCB that are each illuminated according to a program stored in a memory to create a 360 degree effect of moving flames
Implementation Method 2
Each of the diffusers preferably comprises one or more sheets having a series of parallel, horizontal lines etched or embedded into each of the sheets. It is especially preferred that such lines are laser-etched into each sheet.
Data Source
AI summary
Simulated flame device are shown and described having first and second diffusers, each with a sheet having a series of horizontal lines etched or embedded on the sheet. Within the first and second diffusers, a PCB is disposed that has a plurality of light sources disposed on the PCB. The first and second diffusers that wrap about the PCB creates a 360 degree effect, and the diffusers themselves act to stretch the light emanated from the light sources in a vertical direction. The use of the two spaced apart diffusers along with changing a brightness of some or all of the light sources over time simulated moving flames.