Igniter Relay Diagnostics in Climate Control Ignition Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems lack effective means to easily identify whether a faulty igniter or igniter relay is causing a failure in the ignition system, leading to inadequate error detection and increased maintenance time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the climate control system senses current draw and voltage levels across components during specific operational phases, comparing these values to predetermined levels to distinguish between igniter, igniter relay, and humidifier relay conditions, allowing for precise identification of faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC systems provide a wide range of climate control capabilities, then climate control performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into distinct operational phases (e.g., pre-purge phase, post-purge phase, ignition phase) with specific voltage and current thresholds for each phase. This allows the system to handle multiple climate control functions while maintaining manageable complexity through phase-specific diagnostic criteria.
2Measurement precision
If the system performs comprehensive component diagnostics, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but diagnostic time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostics during normal operational phases by continuously monitoring voltage and current values. Instead of requiring a separate comprehensive diagnostic procedure, the system already has component status information available during routine operation, enabling rapid fault identification without adding significant diagnostic time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (voltage and current thresholds) that are specific to each operational phase to improve fault detection accuracy. By comparing real-time electrical parameters against phase-specific predetermined values, the system achieves precise component diagnosis while maintaining efficient diagnostic timing.
3Measurement precision
If the system monitors multiple parameters during operational phases, then component condition identification is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on two key electrical parameters (voltage and current) that are already present in the system during normal operation. By concentrating on these specific parameters rather than monitoring all possible component characteristics, the system achieves accurate component condition identification while keeping measurement complexity manageable.
4Ease of repair
If the system provides detailed fault identification, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic layer that translates complex electrical parameter measurements into simple component status indicators (e.g., igniter relay status, humidifier relay status, pre-purge relay status). This intermediary layer provides detailed fault identification for maintenance efficiency while shielding the user from the underlying measurement and analysis complexity.
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
Enables accurate differentiation between igniter and relay failures, reducing diagnostic time and costs by providing clear indications of component conditions through voltage and current level analysis during operational phases.
Implementation Method 1
the controller senses current draw by a first component of the system
Implementation Method 2
senses voltage between terminals of a second component of the system
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter.