Single-Electrode Gas Ignition Control With Flame Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas appliances require two electrodes for ignition control, increasing costs and risking damage to the ignition controlling device due to electrical discharges.
Innovation Solution
A single-electrode ignition controlling device comprising a high-voltage provider, controller, and flame sensor, where the high-voltage provider supplies pulses to the ignition electrode, and the controller, assisted by a microprocessor, manages the ignition process and flame detection to prevent device damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two electrodes (ignition electrode and induction electrode) are used for ignition control, then the ignition function is reliable, but the cost increases and the risk of electrical discharge damage to the controlling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of ignition electrode and induction electrode into a single electrode. The single electrode serves dual purposes: generating electrical discharge for ignition and detecting flame presence through induced signals, thereby reducing component count while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the ignition electrode that generates high-voltage discharge and the induction electrode that detects flame signals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate electrodes, reducing cost and complexity
2Ease of operation
If two electrodes are placed beside each other for ignition, then ignition control is achieved, but electrical discharges may burn out the ignition controlling device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flame detection circuit as an intermediary between the electrode and the controlling device. This circuit detects flame-induced signals on the electrode and provides feedback to the controller, enabling safe shutdown of high-voltage output and preventing electrical discharge damage to the controlling device
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the electrode for flame-induced signals. When a flame is detected, the controller receives feedback and stops generating high-voltage pulses, preventing electrical discharge from damaging the controlling device
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 reduces costs and prevents damage to the ignition controlling device by using a single electrode for ignition, ensuring reliable operation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The ignition controlling device 16 provides the ignition electrode 12 with high-voltage pulses to let the ignition electrode 12 generate electrical discharges and burn the mixed gas
Implementation Method 2
The induction electrode 14 detects flames of the burner 10, and sends a flame signal to the ignition controlling device 16
Data Source
AI summary
An ignition controlling device of a gas appliance includes a high-voltage provider, a controller, and a flame sensor. The gas appliance includes an ignition electrode and a burner, and the ignition electrode is beside burner. The high-voltage provider has an output terminal, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the ignition electrode to provide high-voltage pulses to the ignition electrode. The controller controls the high-voltage provider to provide the high-voltage pulses. The flame sensor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the high-voltage provider to detect a flame around the ignition electrode and the burner. After a flame is detected by the flame sensor, the controller controls the high-voltage provider to stop the high-voltage pulses.