Removable Igniter Assembly for Gas Cooktop Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooktop igniters are difficult to clean and can be damaged during the process, and replacing them requires removing the cooktop surface, which is cumbersome and often requires professional assistance.
Innovation Solution
An igniter assembly with a removable igniter that can be inserted and removed through an aperture in the cooktop surface without needing to open the surface, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement without tools or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the igniter is fixed in position on the cooktop surface, then the igniter can reliably generate sparks for the burner, but the igniter obstructs cleaning of the cooktop surface and is vulnerable to damage during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be removed from the cooktop surface when cleaning is needed and reinstalled when operation is required. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling the igniter to transition between a fixed operational state and a removed cleaning state.
Solution Approach 2:
The igniter assembly is segmented into separable components that can be independently removed from the cooktop surface. The igniter electrode is separated from the mounting structure, allowing the igniter to be detached without removing the entire cooktop surface or surrounding components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the igniter is mechanically coupled to the orifice holder or burner underside, then the igniter is securely positioned, but replacing the igniter requires complex disassembly including removing the cooktop surface and disconnecting wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter mounting system transitions from a permanent fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The igniter can be easily inserted and removed through the aperture without requiring disassembly of the cooktop surface or electrical connections, enabling simple maintenance while maintaining stable positioning during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The igniter is extracted from the complex mounting structure and can be independently removed through the aperture. This extraction principle allows the igniter to be replaced without removing the cooktop surface or disconnecting wiring from the orifice holder and burner assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the igniter protrudes above the cooktop surface to generate sparks, then the igniter can effectively ignite the burner, but the protruding igniter creates dead zones that are difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter configuration changes from a permanently protruding structure to a dynamically removable component. During operation, the igniter protrudes to generate sparks effectively. During cleaning, the igniter is removed to eliminate obstructions and dead zones, allowing complete access to the cooktop surface for thorough cleaning.
Data Source
AI summary
An igniter assembly for a gas cooking appliance is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the igniter assembly may have an igniter that can be removed from and/or inserted into an igniter socket/base through a surface of a cooking appliance without having to remove the surface of the cooking appliance. Accordingly, when the surface is being cleaned after cooking applications, the igniter can be removed from the surface, thereby eliminating any potential damage to the igniter and allowing the surface to be thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning, the igniter can then be re-inserted into the igniter socket through the surface of the cooking appliance without having to remove the surface of the cooking appliance.