Gas appliance ignition module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas grill ignition modules are prone to exposure to contaminants and battery material leakage, which can lead to damage and reduced lifespan, and existing designs often complicate installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The ignition control module features a base housing with a battery compartment that positions the negative terminal lower than the positive terminal to mitigate leakage exposure, and includes improved connection points for ignitor and actuator switch connections, such as a cylindrically-shaped ignitor terminal housing with a connector guide for easy coupling, and a battery access portion for easy battery installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the battery compartment is designed with accessible battery installation, then ease of maintenance is improved, but exposure to battery material leakage and contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
A battery compartment cover is provided that seals the battery compartment to protect against battery material leakage and contaminants, while still allowing for battery installation and removal through a removable or openable cover design
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment is segmented into a removable cover portion and a base portion, allowing the cover to be removed for battery access while the base remains sealed to protect against leakage and contaminants
2Ease of operation
If connection points are exposed for easy connector coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to contaminants and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connector guides are provided that preliminarily align and direct connectors into the correct engagement position, allowing for easy coupling while the housing structure protects the connection points from contaminant exposure during and after connection
3Ease of manufacture
If the module design is simplified for easy installation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against harmful factors may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition module is divided into separable components including a housing, battery compartment, and control circuit board that can be assembled and installed easily while each component maintains its protective functions against harmful factors
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 configuration reduces the risk of damage from corrosive battery leaks and simplifies installation and maintenance by protecting electrical components and providing secure, accessible connections, thereby extending the module's lifespan and ensuring reliable operation under environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The battery can provide electrical power to an electronic circuit therein in order to generate a voltage potential
Implementation Method 2
If the voltage is applied to an electrode (e.g., in the ignitor), and the voltage is sufficiently large enough, the air across a gap on the electrode will be ionized and a spark will be generated
Implementation Method 3
a spark will be generated, thereby enabling an air/gas mixture surrounding the gap to be ignited
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an ignition control module for a gas appliance. The housing of the ignition control module, and/or the mounting points for mounting the module to a gas appliance, can be configured to dispose the battery in a manner that provides for potential battery leakage to flow away from most operable components of the module. Further, the ignitor connection terminals can be configured to provide for ease of connection, by providing a connector guide disposed in a cylindrically-shaped terminal housing. Additionally, an ignitor actuator terminal can be configured to selectably engage with an ignitor actuator connector, where the ignitor actuator terminal comprises at least two connector points that engage with a single ignitor actuator connector.