Gas appliance ignition module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas appliance ignition modules face challenges in durability and contamination resistance due to environmental exposure and battery leakage, which can lead to reduced module lifespan and potential damage from corrosive materials.
Innovation Solution
The ignition control module features a base housing with a battery compartment that positions the battery's negative terminal lower than the positive terminal, incorporating a battery access portion for easy battery installation and removal, and includes ignitor terminals with connectors designed for secure and weather-resistant engagement, reducing exposure to contaminants and potential damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery compartment is designed to be accessible for battery installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but exposure to contaminants and battery leakage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A removable battery compartment cover acts as a protective barrier that seals the battery compartment when closed, preventing contaminants and battery leakage from reaching internal components. The cover can be easily removed when battery replacement is needed, thus maintaining both protection and accessibility.
2Reliability
If the battery is positioned to mitigate leakage damage by placing the negative terminal lower, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is designed with an asymmetric orientation where the negative terminal is positioned lower than the positive terminal. This asymmetric configuration utilizes gravity to channel potential battery leakage away from sensitive electronic components, improving reliability without requiring complex additional protective mechanisms.
3Reliability
If connection points are protected from exposure to contaminants, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides access to the battery for user replacement, seals the connection points to protect them from contaminants, and structurally integrates with the housing. This merging of functions achieves protection without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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 enhances the module's durability and lifespan by mitigating the effects of battery leakage and environmental exposure, while ensuring reliable electrical connections for consistent ignition performance.
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
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.