Ignition Module Battery Layout for Leak-Resistant Gas Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas appliance ignition modules are prone to exposure to contaminants and battery material leakage, which can lead to damage and reduced lifespan, especially when mounted on surfaces that are exposed to environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The ignition control module features a battery compartment with the negative terminal positioned lower than the positive terminal to mitigate leakage exposure, and includes improved connection points for ignitor and actuator switch connectors, with a design that protects against contaminants and facilitates easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery compartment is mounted on the appliance panel with the battery accessible from above, then ease of battery installation and removal is improved, but exposure to contaminants and battery material leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is designed with asymmetric terminal positioning where the negative terminal is located at the bottom and the positive terminal is at the top. This local differentiation in terminal placement creates a slope that directs potential leaks away from sensitive components while maintaining easy access from above.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a flat, horizontal battery placement to a three-dimensional angled configuration. The battery compartment is mounted at an angle with the opening facing upward but the terminals positioned at different elevations, creating a gravitational drainage path that protects against leakage while preserving accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If connection points are exposed for easy connector access, then ease of connector installation is improved, but vulnerability to environmental contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design incorporates built-in guide features and alignment structures that pre-position connectors correctly before insertion. The opening is shaped to guide connectors into proper alignment, eliminating the need for exposed connection points while maintaining ease of installation through intuitive mechanical guidance.
3Volume of moving object
If the module is compact for space efficiency, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for maintenance and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into distinct functional compartments: the battery compartment with its own access opening, the housing containing connection points, and the mounting interface. This segmentation allows each component to be accessed and serviced independently without requiring disassembly of the entire compact unit.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for an ignition control module for a gas appliance. The housing of the ignition control module, and/or the mounting points for mounting the module to a gas appliance, can be configured to dispose the battery in a manner that provides for potential battery leakage to flow away from most operable components of the module. Further, the ignitor connection terminals can be configured to provide for ease of connection, by providing a connector guide disposed in a cylindrically shaped terminal housing. Additionally, an ignitor actuator terminal can be configured to selectable engage with an ignitor actuator connector, where the ignitor actuator terminal comprises at least two connector points that engage with a single ignitor actuator connector.