Igniter shields
View Patent ↗New igniter systems are provided that comprise a ceramic igniter element and an affixed encasing shield element. The shield element may be engaged or affixed to the igniter element in a variety of configurations, including by direct attachment to the igniter element or through another structure interposed between the igniter and shield elements. In preferred systems, a proximal end of an igniter element may be engaged in a mounting structure and a shield element that encases the igniter element is affixed to the mounting structure.
1. An igniter system comprising:
(a) a ceramic igniter element adapted for igniting gaseous fuel;
(b) a shield element for protecting the igniter element,
(c) a mounting structure is interposed between the igniter element and shield element; and
(d) a mounting bracket affixed to the mounting structure, the mounting bracket being separated from the shield element,
the igniter and shield elements being lockingly engaged.
2. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element overlaps about 50 percent or less of the length of the mounting structure.
3. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the mounting structure is not of metal construction.
4. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element is of metal construction.
5. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element comprises a plurality of openings for the flow of air and fuel.
6. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the locking engagement of the igniter and shield elements comprises a mating flange and groove system.
7. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element overlaps about 40 percent or less of the length of the mounting structure.
8. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element overlaps about 30 percent or less of the length of the mounting structure.
9. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element overlaps about 20 percent or less of the length of the mounting structure.
10. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the shield element overlaps about 10 percent or less of the length of the mounting structure.
11. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein a face of the igniter is not shielded.
12. The igniter system of claim 1 wherein the igniter and shield elements are lockingly engaged via mating flanges or threaded engagements.