Simulated Solid Fuel With Mist And Air Flow For Realistic Flame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fireplace flame simulators fail to realistically replicate the flickering and leaping motion of a real burning flame above and around the simulated solid fuel, lacking a convincing visual and dynamic flame effect.
Innovation Solution
A simulated solid fuel system comprising a hollow fuel body with a mist distribution chamber and an air directing chamber, an ultrasonic mist generator, and a light source, where the mist and air flow are manipulated to create upward-moving, flickering flame-like shapes by utilizing mist outlets, an air ejection port, and strategically positioned light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is projected on the simulated solid fuel to make it transparent and red-hot, then the fuel body can simulate the burning red state, but there is no flame shape above and around the fuel, making it feel unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mist as an intermediary substance between the light source and the observer. The mist outlets positioned above the fuel body emit mist that is illuminated by the light source, creating visible flame-like shapes. This mediator transforms the invisible light into visible flame forms that flicker and leap in air, solving the problem of lacking flame shape while maintaining the burning red state simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing mist (a gas-liquid mixture) through mist outlets positioned above the fuel body. The mist is propelled upward and flickers in air, creating dynamic flame-like shapes. This pneumatic approach adds the missing flame shape and motion characteristics that were absent in the previous static light projection method.
2Shape
If a complex flame simulation device is added to create flickering flame shapes, then the visual realism improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fuel body multi-functional by integrating both light emission (for red-hot simulation) and mist emission (for flame shape simulation) into a single component. The fuel body serves as both the illumination source housing and the mist distribution system, eliminating the need for separate flame generation devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light source system and the mist generation system into a single integrated fuel body structure. The light source and mist outlets are positioned within the same housing, allowing both functions to work together to create the flame effect. This merging simplifies the device structure and reduces manufacturing complexity compared to using separate flame simulation devices.
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 system effectively simulates a realistic, dancing flame effect above and around the simulated solid fuel, enhancing the visual realism of combustion, with a simple structure and convenient manufacturing process suitable for most electric fireplaces.
Implementation Method 1
a device generating mist by an ultrasonic atomizing device
Implementation Method 2
light emitted from the light source is irradiated on the mist emerging from the outlets
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a simulated solid fuel, including a fuel body (1), a flow guiding device (2), a mist source (3) and a light source (4). The fuel body (1) houses a mist distribution chamber (11) and an air directing chamber which are isolated from each other, and the surface of the fuel body (1) includes mist outlets and mist inlets, the mist outlets and the mist inlets all communicating with the mist distribution chamber (11). The flow guiding device can provide an upwardly rising air flow in the air directing chamber such that air in the air directing chamber is ejected from the air ejection port on the upper surface of the fuel body (1). The mist source (3) delivers mist to the mist distribution chamber (11) through the mist inlets, and since the mist outlets communicate with the mist distribution chamber (11), the mist vents from the mist outlets, and is then attracted by the air flow injected from the air ejection port to move toward the middle area of the fuel body (1) to form a flame shape, and is irradiated by the light emitted from the light source (4), thereby truly simulating the realistic effect of solid fuel combustion.