Steam Cloud Flame Simulation via Sintered Nozzle and Air Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated fire devices are either impractical for large-scale applications or noisy, making them unsuitable for close proximity use in theme parks and indoor settings, and they fail to convincingly replicate the shape and movement of real flames.
Innovation Solution
A special effect device using steam that incorporates a sintered nozzle, steam accelerator, and lighting structure to produce a linear steam cloud with a flame-like shape and movement, minimizing noise and allowing close proximity use, with optional deflector for flame shape adjustment and a standardized framework for customizable designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If theatrical smoke or steam is used to create simulated flame, then the simulated flame can be located close to the audience, but the device produces gurgling noises that indicate it is not a real flame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the gurgling noise component from the steam-based simulated flame device. By removing the noisy steam generation mechanism and replacing it with a quiet fog machine that produces fine water particles, the solution maintains the ability to operate close to the audience while eliminating the harmful noise factor that betrays the artificial nature of the flame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the steam/fog medium by using a fog machine to create extremely fine water particles instead of traditional theatrical steam. This parameter change in particle size and distribution allows the simulated flame to remain visually convincing while operating silently, as the fine fog particles do not produce gurgling noises when manipulated.
2Ease of operation
If strips of colored material with lights are used to simulate flame, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot extend over distances greater than typical video monitor dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a fog machine to generate and propel fine water particles through controlled airflow. This allows the simulated flame to extend over large distances vertically and horizontally, far exceeding the limitations of rigid colored strips or video monitors, while maintaining operational simplicity through automated fog generation and airflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the simulation medium from solid colored strips to aerosolized water particles. This parameter change enables the simulated flame to expand freely in three-dimensional space over large distances, overcoming the geometric constraints of strip-based or screen-based approaches while maintaining ease of operation through centralized fog machine control.
3Length of moving object
If a screen of atomized water with projected image is used to create flame illusion, then the simulated flame can be large scale, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex image projection system and screen infrastructure from the simulated flame device. By eliminating these unnecessary components and relying solely on fog machine-generated particles manipulated by airflow and lighting, the solution achieves large-scale simulated flames with significantly reduced system complexity and easier operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the flame effect by using only essential elements (fog particles, airflow, and lighting) rather than attempting to project detailed images. This approach captures the essential visual characteristics of flame—movement, shape, and illumination—without requiring the complex infrastructure of screens and projectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining large scale.
4Reliability
If real flame or fire is used, then the simulated flame is realistic, but additional air conditioning and ventilation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fine water particles (fog) as an intermediary medium that visually substitutes for real flame. This intermediary creates a realistic flame-like appearance through its interaction with lighting and airflow, while fundamentally eliminating the harmful heat and smoke byproducts of actual combustion, thus resolving the contradiction between realism and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the flame simulation by using cold water-based fog instead of hot combustion gases. This parameter change in temperature and composition maintains visual realism through proper lighting and particle distribution while completely eliminating the harmful thermal and atmospheric effects associated with real fire, removing the need for special ventilation and air conditioning.
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 device effectively simulates a real flame without the noise and heat issues of actual fires, allowing for immersive experiences in theme parks and indoor settings while maintaining a realistic appearance and movement.
Implementation Method 1
a sintered nozzle that, in use, receives steam from the pipe and outputs a steam cloud
Implementation Method 2
a sintered nozzle that, in use, receives steam from the pipe and outputs a steam cloud
Implementation Method 3
A steam accelerator is disposed adjacent to the sintered nozzle and produces a linear stream of air that is applied to the steam cloud output by the sintered nozzle to produce a steam cloud with a linear flow characteristic
Implementation Method 4
A steam accelerator is disposed adjacent to the sintered nozzle and produces a linear stream of air that is applied to the steam cloud output by the sintered nozzle to produce a steam cloud with a linear flow characteristic
Implementation Method 5
A lighting structure is positioned to project light on the steam cloud produced adjacent to the sintered nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to special effect device that is used to produce a simulated flame that has the shape and, if desired, the color characteristics of an actual flame. The device is particularly adapted to applications in which individuals may be in close proximity to the device. In this regard, the device produces little noise that would indicate to such an individual that the simulated being produced by the device is not a real flame. In one embodiment, the device includes a sintered nozzle that receives a stream of steam and outputs a steam cloud, a steam accelerator for applying a linear stream of air to steam cloud output by the sintered nozzle, and a lighting system to project desired colors onto the linear steam cloud.