Modular Gas Ignition Modules for Flexible Burner Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition devices for gas cooking appliances are inflexible and over-designed, requiring multiple secondary voltage output terminals, which leads to increased production costs and unnecessary grounding of unused terminals.
Innovation Solution
A modular ignition device design where each module can act as both a power source and a consumer, allowing multiple modules to be connected in parallel to meet the required number of secondary voltage output terminals, reducing the need for over-design and unused terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple secondary voltage output terminals are provided in a single ignition device, then the number of burners that can be connected is increased, but the production cost increases and unused terminals need to be grounded
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition device is divided into multiple independent ignition device modules, each with its own transformer and secondary voltage output terminals. These modules can be connected in parallel to serve multiple burners. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled by adding or removing modules rather than manufacturing different configurations of single devices, reducing production costs for small quantities and eliminating the need to ground unused terminals in larger configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single ignition device is designed to support maximum number of outputs, then all possible connections are available, but unused outputs increase production cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition device configuration is made dynamic through modular design. Instead of a fixed single device with a predetermined number of outputs, the system allows dynamic adjustment of the number of active outputs by connecting or disconnecting ignition device modules. This dynamic configuration maintains connection flexibility while eliminating the complexity and cost associated with unused terminals in fixed configurations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If power per ignition device module is reduced through modularization, then component lifetime increases, but the number of modules required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ignition device into multiple modules with reduced power ratings, the thermal and electrical stress on each individual module is decreased, thereby extending component lifetime. The segmentation allows the system to achieve the required total power output through parallel connection of multiple lower-power modules, each operating within safer thermal margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows for easy replacement of individual modules when needed. If one module fails or requires maintenance, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire ignition device, effectively recovering the functionality of the system with minimal disruption and extending the overall system lifetime.
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 modular design simplifies component management, reduces production costs, and increases the lifetime of components by allowing additional modules to be added as needed, while maintaining flexibility and accessibility of secondary voltage output terminals.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer is adapted to transform the primary voltage from an electrical network into a secondary voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ignition device for a gas cooking appliance, the ignition device comprising at least one ignition device module (10, 10A, 10B) with a primary voltage input terminal (20), a transformer, and at least one secondary voltage output terminal (24, 24A, 24B). The transformer is adapted to transform a primary voltage applied to the primary voltage input terminal into a secondary voltage at the secondary voltage output terminal, and the secondary output terminal is adapted to be connected to a spark electrode. According to the invention the ignition device module (10, 10A, 10B) further comprises a primary voltage output terminal (22).