Cooktop appliance having a reignition spark module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas cooktop appliances with electric ignition systems consume standby power even when burners are not in use, leading to increased utility bills due to high standby power consumption by the reignition spark module.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spark switch with a rotatable rotor that only receives electrical power when the burner is actively being used, introducing a time delay between power reception and spark generation to minimize standby power consumption, featuring a control valve with a rotatable member for gas flow control and a spark generator that is electrically connected through switches to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reignition spark module continuously draws electrical power from the power supply, then the spark generator is always ready to ignite the burner, but the standby power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a rotor that rotates to periodically connect and disconnect electrical circuits. The rotor has conductive segments that make contact with stationary contacts at specific rotational positions, enabling the spark generator to receive power only during designated time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic connection approach reduces standby power consumption while maintaining operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static continuous power connection to a dynamic rotating connection system. The rotor rotates to dynamically establish or disconnect electrical pathways between the power supply and the spark generator. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to adapt power delivery based on operational needs, reducing wasted energy during non-use periods.
2Ease of operation
If the rotor is positioned to connect power to the spark generator, then the burner can be ignited, but the system complexity increases with additional switches and circuit paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circuit control functions into a single rotating component - the rotor. Instead of using separate switches for each circuit path, the rotor integrates multiple conductive segments that simultaneously control different electrical connections as it rotates. This consolidation reduces the number of individual switching components while maintaining the ability to control multiple circuit paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical indicator of valve position, a rotary switch for circuit control, and a timing mechanism for power delivery. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full operational capability for burner ignition and control.
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 solution significantly reduces standby power consumption by ensuring the spark generator only draws power when the burner is ignited, thereby lowering utility bills and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The spark generator is configured to provide a spark to ignite gas in the burner assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop appliance includes a control valve, a spark generator, and a spark switch. The control valve includes a rotatable member for controlling gas flow rates to a burner assembly of the cooktop appliance. The spark generator provides a spark to ignite gas in the burner assembly. The spark switch may be mounted to the control valve, and may include a rotor fixedly mounted to the rotatable member. The rotor may be rotatable between an initial position and a first position. In the initial position, the spark generator does not receive electrical power. In the first position, the spark generator does receive electrical power. The spark generator may be configured to introduce a time delay between receiving electrical power and providing the spark to ignite gas in the burner assembly.