Wick-Based Flame Effect Fire for Quiet Invisible Vapor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fire technologies that simulate flame effects using steam generate visible steam and noise, and require large volumes of water, detracting from the realism and efficiency of the effect.
Innovation Solution
A flame effect fire utilizing a wick system with a liquid reservoir and a heating element to produce illuminated vapor, which is then illuminated by a light source, creating a realistic three-dimensional flame appearance without the drawbacks of steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If steam generation is used to create flame effects, then a visible flame-like effect is produced, but the steam is visible and noise is generated which detracts from realism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful elements (visible steam and noise) from the flame effect generation process by replacing the steam generation mechanism with a wick-based vaporization system that produces invisible vapor, thereby maintaining the visual flame effect while eliminating the detrimental visible steam and noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the vaporization process by using a wick system that controls the rate and temperature of vaporization, producing fine invisible vapor particles rather than visible steam, thus altering the optical and acoustic properties of the flame effect
2Illumination intensity
If steam generation is used to produce flame effects, then a flame-like visual effect is achieved, but large volumes of water are required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vaporization parameters by using a wick system with controlled surface area and thermal properties, enabling efficient water-to-vapor conversion at lower overall water consumption while maintaining the required vapor density for realistic flame effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the wick system: water absorption, controlled vaporization, and vapor delivery, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing water consumption compared to direct steam generation methods
3Device complexity
If wick and heating elements are visible, then the system structure is simple, but the visual realism of the flame effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fuel bed structure that acts as a visual screen, concealing the wick and heating elements behind it while allowing the flame effect to pass through or over it, thus hiding the mechanical components without compromising the realism of the visual effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the wick and heating elements asymmetrically behind the fuel bed, strategically placing them in locations where they are obscured from the viewer's perspective while still maintaining their functional effectiveness in generating the flame effect
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 wick-based system provides a more realistic and efficient flame simulation with smaller water usage, hiding the wick and heating elements from view to enhance the visual effect and reduce noise and water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a wick in communication with a liquid reservoir, a light source and a heating element. The wick is configured to absorb liquid from the liquid reservoir by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
the wick is configured to absorb liquid from the liquid reservoir by capillary action and to present the liquid to the heating element for evaporation
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated flame effect fire comprising a liquid reservoir for containing liquid; at least one wick having a portion thereof configured for contact with the liquid; a heating element arranged relative to another portion of the at least one wick for evaporating liquid in the wick, thereby generating vapor; a light source arranged relative to the at least one wick for illuminating the vapor from the wick to generate simulated flame effects; and a fuel bed located such that the generated simulated flame effects appear to originate from the fuel bed.