Refractory Flame Electrode Structure for High-Temperature Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame detection and ignition devices face challenges in combining manufacturability with the ability to withstand high temperature applications, and there is a need for improvements in ionisation and ignition devices.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an inner rod made of a first semiconductor refractory material with a higher hardness and an outer sleeve made of a second semiconductor refractory material with a lower hardness, separated by an electrical insulator, allowing for ease of manufacture and reliable high-temperature performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single refractory material is used for both inner rod and outer sleeve, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot simultaneously achieve ease of machining and high-temperature structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: an inner rod made of a first refractory material with high structural stability at high temperatures, and an outer sleeve made of a second refractory material that is easier to machine. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the inner rod for thermal stability and the outer sleeve for manufacturability - while both components work together as an integrated flame detection and ignition device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device are assigned different material properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The inner rod, which is exposed to high temperatures during flame detection and ignition, uses a material with superior high-temperature structural stability. The outer sleeve, which requires precision machining for proper fit and function, uses a material with better machinability. This local differentiation of material qualities resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and high-temperature reliability.
2Temperature
If a harder refractory material is used for the inner rod, then high-temperature resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing complexity is segmented and localized to only the outer sleeve, which is made of an easier-to-machine refractory material. The inner rod, made of the harder high-temperature resistant material, requires minimal machining since it is inserted into the pre-machined outer sleeve. This segmentation concentrates manufacturing complexity in one component while keeping the other component simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the assembly and manufacturing process. By providing a pre-machined housing with precise dimensions and features, the outer sleeve enables the inner rod to be manufactured with less complexity. The outer sleeve mediates between the manufacturing requirements and the functional requirements, allowing the harder inner rod material to be used without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
The device provides improved resistance to prolonged high-temperature exposure, enabling reliable performance in both flame detection and ignition applications, while also simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an inner rod comprising a first semiconductor refractory material; an outer sleeve comprising a second semiconductor refractory material
Implementation Method 2
an electrical insulator, the electrical insulator being disposed between the inner rod and the outer sleeve
Implementation Method 3
when a grounded flame is present in the vicinity of the silicon carbide electrode, a current will flow from a negative terminal to ground, and this current can be detected to determine the presence of a flame
Implementation Method 4
an AC line voltage is applied across the resistive electrode in the ignition phase, to cause sufficient heating to light a flame
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an ionisation and/or ignition device comprising: an inner rod, an outer sleeve, and an electrical insulator. The inner rod comprises a semiconductor refractory material. The outer sleeve comprises a semiconductor refractory material. The electrical insulator is disposed between the inner rod and the outer sleeve. The inner rod material has a greater hardness than the outer sleeve material.