Thermally Activated Ignition Interrupter Sled Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spark plug interrupters are either integrated within the spark plug or require complex controls, limiting their versatility and necessitating new spark plug manufacturing or installation, whereas there is a need for a universal, in-line, user-resettable, and reusable solution that can interrupt ignition based on ambient temperature.

Innovation Solution

The design of an ignition interrupter comprising conductive tabs, a sled mechanism, and a thermally sensitive snapdisc that creates a gap between the tabs to break the electrical connection, allowing for universal compatibility with various spark plugs and systems, and includes a reset mechanism for repeated use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional spark plug interrupters are integrated within the spark plug or require complex controls, then the ignition can be interrupted, but the versatility is limited and new spark plug manufacturing or installation is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various spark plugsVSAvoidcomplex controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interrupter device is separated from the spark plug itself, with conductive tabs that can be positioned independently between the spark plug wire and terminal. This segmentation allows the interrupter to be universally applicable to different spark plug types without requiring integration into each specific spark plug design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interrupter employs standard conductive tabs and holders that can interface with various spark plug configurations. The design accommodates different spark plug types through universal mounting arrangements, eliminating the need for spark plug-specific interrupter designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If conventional spark plug interrupters are integrated within the spark plug, then the ignition can be interrupted, but new spark plug manufacturing is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-resettableVSAvoidnew spark plug manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interrupter mechanism is extracted from the spark plug and implemented as a separate device using conductive tabs and holders. This extraction allows the interrupter to function independently without requiring modification or remanufacturing of the spark plug itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive tabs serve as intermediaries between the spark plug wire and terminal, providing the interruption function without direct integration into the spark plug. This intermediary approach maintains spark plug integrity while achieving the desired ignition control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the sled moves to an open position creating a gap between conductive tabs, then the electrical connection is broken, but the springs must be decompressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition interruptionVSAvoidspring compression energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The springs are pre-compressed in the closed position, storing potential energy that automatically acts to maintain electrical contact. When interruption is needed, the sled moves to open the gap, and the springs decompress to return to their neutral state, providing the mechanical force needed for reliable contact without requiring additional energy input during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides a versatile, user-resettable, and thermally activated ignition interrupter that can be easily integrated into existing systems, eliminating the need for new spark plugs or complex controls, while ensuring safety by interrupting the ignition based on ambient temperature, thus enhancing system reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The snapdisc may be configured to raise the pin when exposed to a predetermined temperature. The snapdisc may create a gap between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10883469B1Ignition interrupter and related methods

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 ZOMBIEBOX INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A system for interrupting ignition is disclosed. Specific implementations of ignition interrupters may include a first conductive tab configured to couple to a spark plug; a second conductive tab configured to couple to a spark plug wire; a first tab holder coupled with the first conductive tab; a second tab holder coupled with the second conductive tab, where the second conductive tab overlaps with the first conductive tab; a sled positioned perpendicularly to a plane of the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab, the sled coupled between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab; a first spring coupled to the sled; and a second spring coupled to the sled; where the sled may be configured to move to an open position in the gap between the first conductive tab and the second conductive tab, decompressing the first spring and the second spring.