Pilot Burner Clip Assembly for Easier Field Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pilot burners for gas-fired appliances are difficult to assemble, maintain, and replace due to complex component alignment and reliance on multiple machined parts and fixtures, which complicates field maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A pilot burner assembly featuring a bracket and resilient clip configuration that maintains component alignment, allowing for easy assembly and replacement of thermo-electric devices and gas feed lines without requiring complex tools or fixtures, using a U-shaped bracket with apertures and a resilient clip to apply bias forces for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pilot burner construction is used with multiple machined parts and fixtures, then functional tolerances can be maintained, but assembly and maintenance become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot burner assembly is divided into modular components (bracket, resilient clip, thermo-electric device, spark source, burner tube) that can be independently assembled and replaced. The resilient clip acts as a separate fastening element that simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for complex fixtures while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient clip provides self-aligning and self-retaining functionality through its elastic properties. When installed, the clip automatically biases the thermo-electric device and spark source into proper alignment and holds them in position without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly tools, enabling easy field maintenance.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional pilot burner construction is used, then component positioning can be maintained, but removal and replacement of components in the field becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient clip transitions from a static fastening method to a dynamic, elastic connection. The clip can be easily deformed for installation and removal, then returns to its original shape to maintain component positioning. This dynamic property enables simple field maintenance while preserving alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient clip changes its physical state (deformed vs. restored) during assembly and disassembly operations. When compressed or bent during installation, the clip deforms to allow component insertion, then springs back to its original shape to secure the components in their precise positions, facilitating easy field replacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple machined parts and fixtures are used, then alignment can be ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient clip combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as a fastener, an alignment guide, and a positioning element simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate machined parts and fixtures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining alignment precision through the clip's elastic geometry.
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
Facilitates easier assembly, maintenance, and replacement of pilot burner components, maintaining functional tolerances and ensuring reliable operation without the need for extensive tooling or fixtures, enhancing field maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient clip may apply a bias force to the thermo-electric device in a first direction, which may bias the thermo-electric device against side walls of the apertures in the first and second plates to help hold the thermo-electric device in relation to the bracket
Implementation Method 2
The clip may also apply a bias force to the gas feed line in a second direction, which in some cases, may bias the gas feed line against the bracket to help hold the bracket in relation to the gas feed line
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot burner assembly for easy removal of a thermo-electric or other device is disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, a pilot burner assembly may include a bracket and a resilient clip, which together, help maintain at least some of the pilot burner components in a desired configuration.