Locally Powered Pilot Flame Controller for Gas Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermittent pilot systems for gas-powered appliances often require manual intervention to ignite the pilot flame, which is inconvenient and error-prone, especially when the energy storage device is depleted, leading to inefficiencies and increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller that includes an igniter, a controller for managing the ignition sequence, and a memory to store and adjust ignition information, using thermal electric and/or photoelectric devices to generate power and automatically retry ignition sequences if initial attempts fail, with the option to use internal or external energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual piezo igniter operation is used, then the system can ignite the pilot flame, but the user experience is inconvenient and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the ignition sequence without requiring manual user intervention. The controller autonomously activates the piezo igniter, manages the timing sequences, and handles retry logic, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the piezo igniter button is replaced by an electronically controlled ignition system. The controller uses electronic signals to activate the piezo element and manage the ignition sequence, substituting manual mechanical interaction with automated electronic control.
2Reliability
If the energy storage device is depleted, then the system cannot store sufficient charge for ignition, but manual operation still requires user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically attempting ignition and, if successful, immediately charging the energy storage device. This preliminary charging action ensures that sufficient energy is stored for subsequent operations without requiring user intervention to monitor or manually charge the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the success of each ignition attempt and using this information to control the charging of the energy storage device. When ignition is successful, the system activates the thermoelectric generator to charge the capacitor, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that adapts to the system's energy needs.
3Reliability
If the user must hold down the gas button for extended period, then the pilot flame can be ignited, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ignition sequence timing based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors the thermoelectric generator output and adapts the timing of valve activation and igniter firing, optimizing the sequence to achieve reliable ignition in the minimum necessary time rather than requiring a fixed extended duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the energy storage device charged through the thermoelectric generator during and after ignition. This continuous energy availability eliminates the need for users to repeatedly hold buttons or wait for charging periods, making the process continuous rather than interrupted.
4Reliability
If automatic retry is implemented, then ignition success is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing a limited number of retry attempts rather than continuous retry. The controller is configured to attempt ignition a specific number of times or for a maximum duration, providing sufficient redundancy to overcome temporary ignition failures while avoiding excessive energy consumption from unlimited retries.
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
Automates the ignition process, reducing user intervention and energy inefficiencies by ensuring successful ignition of the pilot flame, even when internal energy sources are depleted, and optimizing energy usage through adaptive ignition sequencing.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame
Implementation Method 2
a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame
Implementation Method 3
an igniter, a controller for controlling an ignition sequence of a pilot flame using the igniter
Implementation Method 4
intermittent flame-powered pilot combustion system
Data Source
AI summary
A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully.