Piezoelectric Lighter Electrode Integration on Control Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of piezoelectric ignition lighters is complex due to the need for a secondary gas flow device, which increases costs and complicates assembly, and there is a risk of the device becoming deformed or detached during use.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the second electrode as a projection on the control lever, eliminating the need for a separate secondary gas flow device by ensuring the electric arc crosses a stoichiometric gas/air mixture zone, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and maintaining reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary gas flow device (helical spring) is added to create stoichiometric mixture zones for piezoelectric ignition, then ignition reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the second electrode function with the control lever by creating an integral projection on the lever that serves as the second electrode. This eliminates the need for a separate helical spring diffusing device while maintaining the stoichiometric mixture zone creation capability, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving ignition reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is given a dual function: it operates as the mechanical control for valve opening and simultaneously serves as the support structure for the second electrode through its integral projection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If a helical spring diffusing device is inserted into the nozzle, then ignition reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrode is merged with the control lever through an integral projection structure. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of a helical spring diffusing device, thereby improving manufacturing ease while maintaining ignition reliability through the preserved stoichiometric mixture zone creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of the helical spring (creating stoichiometric mixture zones for ignition) and reassigns it to the control lever projection. This eliminates the need for the complex helical spring structure while retaining the critical ignition-supporting function.
3Reliability
If a helical spring is used as the diffusing device, then ignition reliability is improved, but the risk of deformation or detachment during use increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the second electrode function into the control lever projection, the patent eliminates the separate helical spring component that is susceptible to deformation and detachment. The integral structure ensures structural stability while maintaining the stoichiometric mixture zone creation capability for reliable ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrode is pre-positioned as an integral projection on the control lever in the correct spatial relationship to the gas flow. This preliminary positioning ensures consistent stoichiometric mixture zone creation without the risk of component displacement or detachment during operation.
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 reliable ignition without a secondary gas flow device, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while maintaining the reliability of the piezoelectric ignition system.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric system comprising a voltage generator connected to a first electrode, arranged downstream and on the side in relation to the gas outlet nozzle, and to a second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the creation of an electric arc between the first and second electrodes when it is actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A gas lighter that includes a valve that connects to a nozzle, a lever for controlling the opening of the valve, a piezoelectric system that includes a first and second electrode, where the first electrode is arranged downstream and on the side in relation to the nozzle, and a control member adapted to drive the opening of the valve and the creation of an electric arc when it is actuated. The second electrode is formed by a projection integral with the lever, the projection being made of electrically-conductive material. The top of the projection is arranged downstream of the nozzle and is substantially opposite the first electrode in relation to the central axis (Z) of the nozzle during the actuation of the control member in order to be at a distance from the first electrode.