Cam-Operated Microswitch for Dual-Voltage Hot Surface Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-fired cooktop ignition systems are overly complex and expensive due to their reliance on intricate electrical systems for controlling voltage levels in hot surface igniters.
Innovation Solution
A dual-level voltage switching system using a microswitch associated with a gas flow-controlling valve, where a rotatable cam sequentially applies first and second voltage levels to a hot surface igniter, simplifying the ignition process and allowing manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex electrical systems with multiple voltage regulation components are used to control voltage levels in hot surface igniters, then voltage control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary voltage regulation components from the electrical system. By using a simple microswitch that directly switches between two fixed voltage levels provided by the transformer, the system removes complex voltage regulation circuitry while maintaining effective igniter control through manual operation correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microswitch is designed to be manually operated in conjunction with the gas valve, making the system self-regulating through user action. The user's manual operation of the gas valve simultaneously controls both gas flow and voltage application to the igniter, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, controllers, or automated voltage regulation systems.
2Measurement precision
If electronic control circuits and micro-controllers are used to regulate voltage and coordinate gas flow, then ignition control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electronic control circuits and micro-controllers with a simple, inexpensive microswitch mechanism. This mechanical switching component is far cheaper to manufacture and install while achieving the same functional outcome of precise ignition control through manual operation coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical operation (manual switching) for electronic control systems. The microswitch uses mechanical movement to open and close electrical contacts, replacing the need for electronic sensors, processors, and control circuits while maintaining precise control over the ignition sequence.
3Reliability
If automated electronic coordination of gas flow and voltage application is implemented, then ignition reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of gas flow and voltage application into a single manual operation. The microswitch is mechanically linked to the gas valve operation, so that one user action simultaneously controls both functions, ensuring reliable coordination without the complexity of separate electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The microswitch acts as a simple mechanical intermediary between the user's manual operation and the electrical system. It translates mechanical movement into electrical switching actions, providing reliable coordination between gas valve operation and igniter voltage application through a simple mechanical-electrical interface.
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 system effectively ignites gas with a simplified mechanism, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining the hot surface igniter at an elevated temperature for sustained ignition.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable cam is provided within the housing and is configured for sequential closing of the first and second switches
Implementation Method 2
A first pair of reed elements and a second pair of reed elements are provided within the housing and form first and second switches, respectively
Implementation Method 3
a hot surface igniter that is heated through the application of electrical current to a temperature sufficient to ignite gas
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage switching microswitch is provided for supplying power to a hot surface igniter in a gas burning system. The microswitch is configured to operate concurrently with manual operation of a gas control valve such that rotation of an operating stem of the gas control valve produces rotation of a cam within the microswitch. The cam is configured to operate a pair of reed switches so that a relatively high voltage from a power supply is applied to the hot surface igniter following a first predetermined amount of rotation of the cam and a relatively lower voltage is applied to the hot surface igniter following a second predetermined amount of rotation of the cam to maintain the temperature of the igniter.