Ignition Electrode Integration in Portable LPG Burner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable liquid propane gas (LPG) heat guns face challenges with spark plug ignition systems, which are difficult to light, add weight, and increase the risk of electrical failures due to long wiring and couplings, making them cumbersome and prone to short-circuits when used with extensions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ignition electrode within a flame holder in the flow path of the gas mixture, using a piezo-electric or battery-powered igniter, with the electrode isolated by insulators, allowing for a spark to jump from the electrode tip to the burner chamber, eliminating the need for external spark plugs and wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spark plug with external wiring is used for ignition, then the ignition function is achieved, but the device weight increases and the electrical connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ignition electrode from the external wiring system and integrates it directly into the flame holder assembly. The electrode is positioned to extend into the burner chamber where it can directly ignite the gas mixture, eliminating the need for long external wiring and couplings that were present in traditional spark plug systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition electrode is merged with the flame holder structure, creating an integrated assembly where the electrode is electrically isolated from the flame holder body by an insulator. This combination eliminates separate wiring components and reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection for ignition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spark plug with long wiring is used to accommodate extensions, then the adaptability is improved, but the weight increases and the risk of short-circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy external wiring and couplings from the system by integrating the ignition electrode directly into the flame holder. This extraction eliminates the need for long wiring to accommodate extensions, significantly reducing the overall weight of the heat gun while maintaining full adaptability for extension use.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electrode system serves the ignition function independently without requiring external wiring infrastructure. The electrode is self-contained within the flame holder assembly, providing ignition capability that is inherently compatible with extensions without adding weight or short-circuit risk.
3Ease of operation
If a spark plug is mounted at the side of the burner chamber, then the ignition function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition electrode is pre-positioned within the flame holder assembly during manufacturing, ensuring optimal placement for ignition. The electrode extends into the burner chamber in advance, positioned to reliably ignite the gas mixture as it flows through the flame holder, making operation straightforward and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame holder acts as an intermediary structure that houses and positions the ignition electrode optimally. The electrode is electrically isolated from the flame holder body by an insulator, allowing the flame holder to serve as both a structural support and a positioning mechanism that ensures reliable ignition while maintaining electrical safety.
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 simplifies the ignition system, reduces weight and electrical complexity, enhances reliability by eliminating the risk of short-circuits, and allows for easier handling and extension use without compromising ignition performance.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage source may be a piezo-electric element
Implementation Method 2
The voltage source may be a piezo-electric element, a battery, or an external power source
Implementation Method 3
A voltage applied to the electrode cause a spark to jump from an electrode tip at the flame holder to a portion of the body of the heat gun
Implementation Method 4
The electrode is electrically isolated from other portions of the heat gun by insulators. In one embodiment, a ceramic insulator having a bore therethrough is fixed to the flame holder
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-fired heat gun is ignited using an electrode tip located downstream of a flame holder such that the electrode tip is in the path of the flowing gas. The electrode is connected to a voltage source that causes a spark to jump from the electrode tip to another part of the heat gun, such as the flame holder or a casing of the heat gun, when a trigger is pulled, thereby igniting the flowing gas. The electrode is typically a thin wire extending through a portion of a diffuser defining a portion of the gas flow path upstream of the flame holder. The electrode may be continuous from the diffuser to a terminal end downstream of the flame holder.