Intermittent Pilot Ignition With Dual Power Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermittent pilot systems for gas-powered appliances require manual intervention and are inconvenient due to the need for users to manually ignite the pilot flame using a piezo igniter, especially when the energy storage device is depleted, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A dual power source system where a pre-charged start-up power source and a runtime power source, along with a thermoelectric and/or photoelectric device, are used to automatically initiate and maintain the pilot flame, with the start-up power source taking over when the runtime power source is insufficient, and the runtime power source being recharged during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piezo igniter is used to manually ignite the pilot flame, then the system can operate without external power sources, but the user experience becomes inconvenient and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pre-charged power source that automatically ignites the pilot flame without requiring user intervention. The controller monitors the energy storage device and autonomously initiates the ignition sequence, eliminating the need for users to manually operate piezo igniters or coordinate multiple buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source is pre-charged before installation to ensure sufficient energy is available for ignition. This preliminary charging action guarantees that the system can reliably ignite the pilot flame on first use and after extended non-use, without requiring user intervention to charge or activate the igniter.
2Device complexity
If a single energy storage device is used to power the combustion controller and igniter, then the system structure is simplified, but the system fails when the energy storage device is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into two separate energy storage devices: a pre-charged power source for initial ignition and a runtime power source for ongoing operation. This segmentation ensures that each component has a dedicated function and energy supply, preventing system failure when one device is depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-charged power source is prepared in advance with sufficient energy to guarantee successful ignition of the pilot flame. This preliminary action ensures the system can start up reliably even when the runtime power source is empty or the system has been inactive for extended periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the runtime power source is used for all ignition operations, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot operate after extended periods of non-use
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into a pre-charged power source for initial ignition and a runtime power source for subsequent operations. The pre-charged source provides the energy needed for first-use and post-non-use ignition, while the runtime source handles efficient ongoing operations, extending the system's available duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-charged power source is prepared in advance to provide energy for ignition after extended non-use periods. This preliminary energy storage ensures the system remains available and functional even when the runtime power source has been depleted or the system has been inactive for long periods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual button coordination is required for piezo igniter activation, then the system can operate without additional power sources, but the operation becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The controller autonomously monitors the energy storage device's charge level and automatically initiates the ignition sequence when ready. This self-service operation eliminates the need for users to coordinate multiple buttons or understand the system's power state, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining power source independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the energy storage device's charge level and provides feedback to determine when the system is ready for ignition. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically manage the ignition process based on real-time power availability, eliminating manual coordination requirements.
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 simplifies the ignition process, reduces user intervention, and ensures reliable operation by automatically switching power sources, enhancing energy efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device (e.g., a thermopile) capable of generating electricity using the flame from the pilot burner, the main burner, or both
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric and/or photoelectric device that charges the first power source when the thermal electric device is exposed to a flame
Data Source
AI summary
A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.