Cigarette Lighter Bimetallic Spring Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cigarette lighters for motor vehicles with bimetallic springs integrated into the receiving unit are prone to damage due to exposure and improper handling, including damage from adapter plugs.
Innovation Solution
The cigarette lighter design incorporates a bimetallic retaining spring element within the ignition unit, protected from exposure, and a locking element that serves both for latching and electrical contact, preventing damage from adapter plugs and improper use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bimetallic spring is integrated into the receiving unit, then the latching function is achieved, but the bimetallic spring is exposed and vulnerable to damage from adapter plugs and improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The bimetallic spring is extracted from the receiving unit and relocated to the ignition unit. This extraction removes the vulnerable component from the exposed receiving unit area, protecting it from damage by adapter plugs and improper handling, while maintaining the latching function through the interaction between the bimetallic spring in the ignition unit and the locking element in the receiving unit.
2Reliability
If the bimetallic spring is relocated to the ignition unit, then protection from damage is achieved, but the electrical connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bimetallic spring in the ignition unit serves dual functions: it acts as both a latching component (retaining the ignition unit in the receiving unit) and as an electrical contact element (establishing electrical connection between the glow unit and the receiving unit). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall electrical connection structure despite the relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element in the receiving unit is designed to combine mechanical latching and electrical contact functions. It mechanically engages with the bimetallic spring to retain the ignition unit while simultaneously establishing the electrical circuit for the glow unit. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity.
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
This design ensures the bimetallic spring is not exposed and thus protected from damage, maintaining functionality and reliability, even with adapter plugs and improper handling.
Implementation Method 1
the bimetallic spring heats up so that the snap-in connection is released
Implementation Method 2
The push button is resiliently biased by a compression spring from a first position in which electrical contact is made between the contact unit and the glow unit to a second position in which the contact between the contact unit and the glow unit is interrupted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The lighter has a receiving unit (200) including an ignition unit (100) with a bi-metal supported spring element (120) and a locking element (108), and an electrical contact provided in a position of push buttons (114). The spring element is latched with the locking element such that a latching connection is detached after heating the spring element through an annealing unit (104). A fastening element is moved in a position by pre-loading a pressurized spring (118), and an electrical contact in the spring is not provided between contact and annealing units and the ignition unit is removed.