Cylindrical Igniter Shield Baffle Curvature for Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing igniter shields do not effectively enhance gas stream ignition characteristics and protect the igniter from excessive heat, leading to suboptimal combustion and reduced longevity due to inadequate design and material distribution.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical igniter shield with a baffle having a smaller radius of curvature than the shield's proximal and distal portions, combined with longitudinally oriented supports and ribs, which directs gas flow to create turbulence and introduces secondary air for improved combustion, while minimizing material mass to reduce heat impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional igniter shield design is used, then the igniter is protected from excessive heat, but the gas stream ignition characteristics are not effectively enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The shield incorporates a baffle section with a specific radius of curvature (0.25 to 0.75 inches) that differs from the proximal and distal sections, creating localized turbulence in the gas stream where needed while maintaining igniter protection. This local quality change enhances ignition characteristics without compromising the overall protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle section is designed with a curved surface having a radius of curvature between 0.25 to 0.75 inches, which is smaller than the radii of curvature of the proximal and distal sections. This curvature creates turbulence in the gas stream as it flows over the baffle, improving ignition characteristics while the larger radii of the other sections maintain protective coverage.
2Reliability
If more material is used in the igniter shield, then better protection is provided, but the temperature increase and heat impact on the igniter worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into three distinct sections: a proximal section, a baffle section, and a distal section, each with different radii of curvature. This segmentation allows optimization of material distribution - the baffle section uses material strategically to create turbulence, while the proximal and distal sections provide protection with larger radii that reduce heat concentration, thereby lowering overall temperature increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the shield have different geometric properties - the baffle section has a smaller radius of curvature (0.25-0.75 inches) to create turbulence, while the proximal and distal sections have larger radii to reduce heat concentration. This local quality variation optimizes both protection and temperature management.
3Device complexity
If the radius of curvature of the baffle is increased, then the shield structure is simplified, but the gas stream turbulence and ignition characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle section maintains a smaller radius of curvature (0.25-0.75 inches) specifically where gas stream interaction is needed to create turbulence and improve ignition. This localized geometric property ensures effective ignition characteristics while the larger radii of other sections simplify the overall structural design and manufacturing.
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 design improves gas stream ignition characteristics, reduces the need for higher ignition voltage, and extends the igniter's longevity by promoting efficient combustion and minimizing temperature increases.
Implementation Method 1
directs gas flow to create turbulence
Implementation Method 2
protect the igniter from excessive heat
Implementation Method 3
introduces secondary air for improved combustion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An igniter shield for use in combination with an igniter includes a substantially cylindrical-shaped body that includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first longitudinally oriented support and a second longitudinally oriented support, wherein the first and second longitudinally oriented supports extend between and are connected to the proximal portion and the distal portion, the substantially cylindrical-shaped body further including a longitudinally oriented baffle circumferentially spaced apart from the first and second longitudinally oriented supports, wherein the baffle extends between and is connected to the proximal portion and the distal portion, and wherein the baffle includes a radially outward facing convex surface and a radially inward facing concave surface, the radially inward facing concave surface having a radius of curvature smaller than a radius of curvature of at least one of the proximal or distal portions.