Adjustable Ignition Source Spark Gap Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spark ignition systems for combustion devices lack the ability to adjust the spark gap width effectively, which can lead to suboptimal ignition of the fuel/air mixture, particularly in varying combustion chamber geometries.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable ignition source with an electrical delivery conductor and ground conductor mounted in respective structures, allowing for selective positioning of the spark gap, enabling its width to be adjusted by threading mechanisms, ensuring optimal ignition in different combustion chamber configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed spark gap width is used in ignition systems, then the structure is simple, but the ignition performance is suboptimal in varying combustion chamber geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidignition performance across different geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spark gap width is made adjustable through a threading mechanism where the delivery conductor can be rotated relative to the ground conductor mounting structure. This allows the spark gap width to be dynamically changed to match different combustion chamber geometries, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables changing the physical parameter of spark gap width by allowing relative rotation between the delivery conductor and ground conductor mounting structure. This parameter adjustment capability allows the same ignition system to adapt to various combustion chamber geometries without sacrificing structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spark gap width is adjustable, then the ignition performance is optimized for different geometries, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition performance across different geometriesVSAvoidadjustable positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism uses a simple threading interface that allows the delivery conductor to be rotated to change spark gap width. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to different geometries while keeping the mechanical complexity minimal through the use of a straightforward rotational adjustment rather than a complex positioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the delivery conductor is positioned at the theoretical center of the combustion chamber, then combustion efficiency is maximized, but the positioning precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than requiring precise manufacturing to place the delivery conductor at the theoretical center, the patent provides a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the conductor position to be tuned after assembly. This eliminates the need for high manufacturing precision while still achieving optimal combustion efficiency through post-assembly positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 adjustable spark gap ensures uniform and efficient ignition of the fuel/air mixture, optimizing combustion reaction across various combustion chamber shapes and sizes by positioning the spark gap at the theoretical center or any desired location, enhancing combustion efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

An electrical ground conductor is mounted in a ground conductor mounting structure and extends from the ground conductor mounting structure to a point proximate the delivery conductor to define an ignition spark gap between the delivery conductor and the ground conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS8113164B2Ignition source adapted for positioning within a combustion chamber

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 ENGINUITY POWER SYST INC

AI summary

An ignition source for initiating combustion is provided. The ignition source includes an electrical delivery conductor mounted in a delivery conductor mounting structure. An electrical ground conductor is mounted in a ground conductor mounting structure and extends from the ground conductor mounting structure to a point proximate the delivery conductor to define an ignition spark gap between the delivery conductor and the ground conductor. At least one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor are mounted in a respective one of the delivery conductor mounting structure and the ground conductor mounting structure so as to be selectively positionable with respect to the other one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor to selectively adjust a width of the ignition spark gap.