Shielded Hot Surface Igniter for Symmetric Gas Burner Flames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot surface igniters in gas cook top appliances are fragile, prone to damage, and affect the symmetry and color of the flame, while also struggling to operate effectively across a wide range of gas flow rates without compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A shielded hot surface igniter design that positions a ceramic igniter element beneath a burner cap, with a shield defining exit and entrance openings and a planar top surface parallel to the cap, minimizing disturbance to gas flow and protecting the igniter from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hot surface igniter is placed near the burner to enable ignition at low gas flow rates, then ignition reliability across wide gas flow range is improved, but flame symmetry and color are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the igniter element itself, the shield structure with defined openings, and the burner assembly. The shield creates separate flow paths that isolate the igniter's influence from the main flame formation area, allowing reliable ignition while preserving flame symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield acts as an intermediary structure between the igniter and the gas flow. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface through its entrance and exit openings, allowing the igniter to heat the gas without directly disrupting the flame structure and appearance.
2Reliability
If a shield is added to protect the igniter from damage, then igniter protection is improved, but flame symmetry and aesthetics are further degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed with localized openings (entrance and exit) that provide protection only where needed while maintaining open pathways for gas flow. This local quality approach allows the shield to protect the igniter without creating a complete barrier that would disrupt flame symmetry and aesthetics.
3Reliability
If the igniter is positioned close to the gas source for effective ignition, then ignition capability is improved, but fuel spread and local plume formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield serves as an intermediary structure that allows the igniter to remain positioned close to the gas source for effective ignition while preventing direct disruption of fuel distribution. The shield's openings control the interaction between the igniter heat and the gas flow, maintaining proper fuel distribution.
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 solution provides protection for the igniter, maintains flame symmetry and blue color, and ensures reliable ignition across varying gas flow rates without significant aesthetic impact.
Implementation Method 1
Another type, commonly referred to as a hot surface igniter, relies on generating sufficient heat on its surface to ignite gas supplied to the gas burner
Data Source
AI summary
A gas burner assembly is provided that has a hot surface igniter. The hot surface igniter is equipped with a shield that protects the igniter from e.g., impact or other damage during cleaning or use. The shield is configured with the gas burner in a manner that can minimize the aesthetic impact on the flame while also providing ignition at low and high gas flow rates.