Dual-Disc Burner Electrode for Stable Ignition and Flame Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combined flame detection and ignition electrodes for dual stage gas burners face challenges in reliably detecting and igniting flames from both high output and simmer burners due to differences in flame geometry and gas flow rates, leading to issues like nuisance sparking and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A dual disc electrode design with an upper and lower conductive disc of varying radii, electrically connected and positioned to effectively detect and ignite flames from both the main and simmer burners, allowing for independent circuitry if needed, to address the limitations of existing electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electrode is used for both flame detection and ignition, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of flame detection and ignition for both burners deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into two separate conductive discs positioned at different heights. The first conductive disc is positioned to detect and ignite the first burner, while the second conductive disc is positioned to detect and ignite the second burner. This segmentation allows each disc to be optimized for its specific burner, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and reliable operation for both burners.
Solution Approach 2:
Each conductive disc has different properties tailored to its specific function and position. The first conductive disc has a first radius optimized for the first burner's flame geometry, while the second conductive disc has a second radius optimized for the second burner's flame geometry. This local quality differentiation ensures reliable performance for each burner type without requiring a single compromised design.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single electrode with fixed radius is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different burner types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing a single complex electrode, the system uses multiple simpler conductive discs that can be individually fabricated and then assembled. Each disc's radius can be independently optimized for its target burner, providing adaptability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system accommodates different burner types by varying the radius parameter of individual conductive discs. The first conductive disc has a first radius optimized for the first burner type, while the second conductive disc has a second radius optimized for the second burner type, allowing the same basic electrode structure to adapt to different operational requirements.
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 dual disc electrode design enhances reliable flame detection and ignition capabilities for both high output and simmer burners, reducing nuisance sparking and improving the overall performance of dual stage gas burners by optimizing the position and radius of each disc for specific burner types.
Implementation Method 1
the resulting difference in electric potential between the high-voltage electrode and the burner (which is electrically connected to ground) causes a spark to jump the gap between the electrode and the burner
Implementation Method 2
a flame includes electrically charged particles that can conduct electricity. When a flame produced by a gas burner extends outwardly from the burner to touch at least part of an electrode, the flame forms an electrically conductive path between the burner and the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A combined igniter and flame sense electrode for a dual stage gas burner that includes a first burner and a second burner is disclosed. The electrode includes a first conductive element mounted on the shaft and positioned closer to the first burner than to the second burner; a second conductive element mounted on the shaft and positioned closer to the second burner than to the first burner; and one or more electrical connectors connected to the conductive elements. An electrode according to the invention can also be used with a single stage gas burner, by placing the first conductive element at the position of high level flame from the burner and by placing the second conductive element at the position of low level flame from the burner. A gas burner assembly incorporating such an electrode, and a gas appliance incorporating such a gas burner assembly, are also disclosed.