Heating Appliance Ignition Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating appliances struggle to reliably detect ignition of a gas-air mixture, leading to repeated or late ignition, which can result in unsafe conditions and energy inefficiency, as well as making it difficult to diagnose issues such as incorrect ignition pin placement or short-circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that apply an electrical ignition signal, filter the combustion signal, compare it to a predetermined pattern, and determine if ignition occurred within a specific time frame, using a circuit with band-pass filtering, amplification, and logical sections to accurately assess ignition quality and detect potential problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated ignition is applied to ensure combustion, then reliability of heating is improved, but harmful factors increase due to explosion-like ignitions and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing ignition testing during the production phase before the appliance leaves the factory. This allows detection and correction of ignition issues before they can cause harmful effects during actual use, preventing explosion-like ignitions while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring ignition signals and comparing them against expected patterns. The system provides real-time feedback on ignition quality and can detect deviations that indicate potential safety issues, allowing for immediate corrective action rather than waiting for harmful effects to manifest.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of ignition is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a monitoring system that uses the existing ignition circuitry and components to perform self-diagnosis. The system monitors its own operation using the same ignition pin and circuit elements already present, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring hardware while maintaining high monitoring accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If production testing is performed on ignition quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time occurs during production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs ignition quality testing as a preliminary action during the manufacturing process, specifically before the appliance leaves the factory. This early detection allows for immediate correction of placement issues while the appliance is still in production, preventing defective products from reaching customers and reducing the need for recalls or field repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing process into specific, targeted measurements of ignition signal characteristics rather than performing comprehensive continuous testing. By focusing on key parameters such as signal amplitude and timing, the system achieves high manufacturing precision while minimizing the time required for production testing.
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 solution allows for precise ignition testing during production, monitors ignition quality throughout the appliance's lifespan, reduces unnecessary sparking, and enables early detection of issues, improving safety and energy efficiency by preventing explosion-like ignitions and extending part lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a combustion signal in order to ascertain whether or not combustion of a gas-air mixture has taken place
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining in a heating appliance whether ignition of the mixture of fluid fuel and air has taken place, comprising the following steps of: - applying an electrical ignition signal to a measuring circuit; - filtering a combustion signal from the ignition signal; - comparing the detected combustion signal to a predetermined pattern; and - establishing that the anticipated combustion signal took place during a predetermined period of time.