Gas Combustor Safety Switch with Segmented Ignition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas combustors pose safety risks due to easily operable ignition switches, leading to accidental fires, especially among children, necessitating the implementation of safety switches that can be locked and unlocked to prevent unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A gas combustor design featuring a safety switch with a fastening unit and locking unit that automatically locks and unlocks, utilizing a piezoelectric device and spring mechanisms to control the ignition button, ensuring the device is only operable when intentionally unlocked by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ignition switch is made easily operable for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to accidental operation by children
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition system is segmented into two independent operations: a first operation to switch from standby to ignition state, and a second operation to actually ignite. This segmentation prevents accidental single-action ignition while maintaining operational convenience through clear step-by-step control.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas supply is activated in advance (first operation) before the ignition occurs (second operation). This preliminary action creates a controlled intermediate state where gas flows but ignition is prevented unless the user intentionally completes the second operation, thereby preventing accidental fires while maintaining ease of use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety switch with locking mechanism is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch is merged with the existing ignition button structure. The same button performs both ignition function and safety lock function through different operational sequences (first operation vs. second operation), eliminating the need for separate safety switch components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition button is given multiple functions: it serves as both the ignition trigger and the safety switch actuator. By designing the button to respond differently to first operation (gas supply) and second operation (ignition), it achieves multi-functionality without adding dedicated safety components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety switch is installed to prevent accidental operation, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional unlocking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The button's function dynamically changes based on operational history. After a first operation, the system enters a standby state where the same button press triggers gas supply. After a second operation, the system returns to initial state where gas supply is cut off. This dynamic behavior provides safety without requiring physically different operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the safety lock state through its own operational sequence. The button itself controls both the safety state and the ignition process, eliminating the need for separate safety switch operations. The user interacts with a single button that handles both safety and ignition functions through contextual response.
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 enhances safety and durability by making it difficult for children to accidentally operate the gas combustor, complying with safety regulations and reducing the risk of fires, while allowing for convenient and safe use by adults.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric device is disposed in the press button
Implementation Method 2
a longitudinal spring is disposed between the main body and the accommodation chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A gas combustor includes: a housing, a storage cylinder, a fuel gas controlling device, an igniting device, a safety switch, and a combusting device. The safety switch has a fastening unit and a locking unit abutted against a locking bolt formed on a bottom surface of a press button; the fastening unit has an accommodation chamber allowing the locking unit to be accommodated, and a swing arm having a latching hook and longitudinally disposed at a front end of the accommodation chamber; the locking unit has a main body accommodated in the accommodation chamber, a longitudinal spring is disposed between the main body and the accommodation chamber, and the main body has a push button protruded from a penetrated slot longitudinally formed on a rear wall of the accommodation chamber, and a locking hook protruded towards the latching hook.