Annular Gas Igniter Tip With Slip-Joint Thermal Expansion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furnace igniters, especially those used in confined spaces, face challenges with high energy consumption and physical constraints due to the need for large amounts of external combustion air, which limits their cost-effectiveness and reliability, particularly in older buildings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A high-capacity gas igniter system featuring an annular igniter tip with differently sized and oriented holes for radial gas dispersion, reducing the reliance on external combustion air and incorporating a slip-joint-like mechanism with Labyrinth teeth to manage thermal expansion stresses, allowing for more robust and reliable ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional igniters use large amounts of external combustion air, then ignition capability is maintained, but energy consumption increases and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of air source from external combustion air to internal combustion air already present in the furnace. The igniter tip is designed to utilize and mix with the furnace's existing combustion air, eliminating the need to pump large amounts of external air, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable ignition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dependency on external combustion air from the ignition system. By designing the igniter to work with internal combustion air already present in the furnace chamber, the system removes the harmful factor of high energy consumption associated with pumping external air, while preserving the essential ignition function.
2Reliability
If conventional igniters use large amounts of external combustion air, then ignition capability is maintained, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of air source from external to internal combustion air, which fundamentally reduces the physical footprint of the igniter system. The igniter tip is designed to inject gas into the existing combustion air environment within the furnace, eliminating the need for large external air intake structures and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the external air intake requirement from the system, making the igniter suitable for confined spaces such as older buildings with limited physical space. The igniter relies on the combustion air already present in the furnace chamber, removing the need for large external air supply infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If igniter tip uses uniform holes, then manufacturing is simple, but gas dispersion and mixing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the hole characteristics (size, orientation, distribution) at different locations on the igniter tip. The first set of holes has different characteristics than the second set, with each configuration optimized for specific gas dispersion and mixing requirements in different zones, thereby improving overall mixing efficiency while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry in the hole configuration, where holes are not uniformly distributed but rather arranged with different sizes and orientations in different sets. This asymmetric design enhances gas dispersion patterns and improves mixing efficiency with the surrounding combustion air, moving away from simple uniform patterns.
4Productivity
If igniter is designed for high capacity, then burner capacity increases, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of air source from external to internal combustion air, which enables high-capacity operation without proportionally increasing system cost. The igniter tip design that utilizes existing furnace air allows for scaling to higher burner capacities without requiring expensive external air pumping systems or complex air supply infrastructure.
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 improved reliability, reduced energy consumption, increased flame stability, and enhanced robustness against damage, enabling efficient operation in confined spaces with a diminished physical footprint and reduced air requirements.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a slip-joint-like mechanism with Labyrinth teeth to manage thermal expansion stresses
Implementation Method 2
The igniter tip comprises first and second sets of holes, holes of the first set of holes having a size and orientation different than a size and orientation of holes of the second set of holes, the first and second set of holes being configured to provide the gas to the furnace
Data Source
AI summary
An improved and high capacity gas igniter for furnaces and burners. The igniter can include an igniter tip that is annular in shape and includes various holes of different sizes and angular projections distributed throughout. The igniter tip may utilize a slip-joint-like mechanism or sleeve that connects inner and outer tubes of a guide tube that allows the inner tube to slide when undergoing thermal expansion. This configuration alleviates stress from building up on the inner tube and igniter tip, preventing damage.