Burner Low Voltage Sensor Circuit Interrupter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable asphalt resurfacing equipment with electrically-powered diesel burners faces suboptimal operation and potential damage due to voltage drops in rechargeable batteries, leading to malfunction or damage from continued use under low-voltage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A circuit interrupter unit with a switch that automatically disconnects the burner from the power source when the voltage falls below a predetermined threshold and reconnects when it rises above a restoration threshold, preventing ignition and promoting safe recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the burner operates using a rechargeable battery with varying voltage, then the equipment maintains portability and can function without external power, but the voltage drops as power is drawn from the battery, resulting in suboptimal burner operation and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a low-voltage sensor and circuit interrupter that proactively detect voltage drops before they cause burner malfunction or damage. The system preemptively interrupts power when voltage falls below the threshold, preventing the harmful effects of operating under low-voltage conditions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through advance protection while preserving portability through battery operation.
2Productivity
If the burner continues to operate under low-voltage conditions, then the equipment remains operational, but malfunction or damage may occur to the burner or other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a circuit interrupter that automatically disconnects power when low voltage is detected, counteracting the potential harmful effects before they manifest. The sensor and interrupter system creates a protective mechanism that prevents burner damage while allowing continuous operation to resume once voltage is restored, thus eliminating the trade-off between productivity and damage prevention.
3Reliability
If a low-voltage sensor and circuit interrupter are added to the system, then burner malfunction and damage are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a low-voltage sensor and circuit interrupter that acts as a mediator between the battery and burner. This intermediary monitors voltage levels and automatically interrupts power when thresholds are exceeded, providing reliable protection without requiring complex control systems or user intervention. The added components are minimal and purpose-specific, resolving the contradiction by enhancing safety through targeted functionality rather than overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A combustible fuel burner system includes a burner unit, a power source, and a circuit interrupter unit. The circuit interrupter unit has a switch electrically coupled between the power source and the burner unit. The switch has a closed state, wherein the burner unit receives operational electrical power from the power source. The switch moves from a closed state to an open state and electrically disconnects the device from the power source upon a voltage of the power source falling below an interruption threshold. The switch, when in the open state, moves to the closed state upon the voltage of the power source being above a restoration threshold that is higher than the interruption threshold.