Efficient limit switch design and its location in a gas furnace
AssigneeCarrier Corporation
InventorsLok Sudhir Katikala, Ashalatha Kapa
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A limit switch assembly including a shape memory member, a furnace system for incorporating the same, and a method for controlling a furnace are provided. The limit switch assembly includes a switch communicatively connected to a control board of a furnace. The switch is configured to send a signal to the control board when actuated. The shape memory member is configured to actuate the switch. The control board, in certain instances, shuts off the furnace and arrests the supply of combustible gas when receiving the signal from the switch. The shape memory member, in certain instances, actuates the switch as a result of being heated.
Claims13
A furnace system, comprising:
- a burner configured to receive and ignite a supply of combustible gas and produce a heated air, the heated air defining a temperature;
- and
- a limit switch assembly configured to sense the temperature of the heated air, the limit switch assembly comprising:
- a switch communicatively connected to a control board of the furnace system, the switch configured to send a signal to the control board when actuated;
- and
- a shape memory member having a first fixed end and an opposite, second fixed end, the switch being arranged within a plane containing the first fixed end and the second fixed end, the shape memory member being transformable between a retracted position and an extended position in response to the temperature of the heated air exceeding a threshold, wherein in the extended position, the shape memory member is directly engaged with the switch.
A limit switch assembly configured to sense a temperature, the limit switch assembly comprising:
- a switch communicatively connected to a control board of a furnace, the switch configured to send a signal to the control board when actuated;
- and
- a shape memory member having a first fixed end and an opposite, second fixed end, the switch being arranged within a plane containing the first fixed end and the second fixed end, the shape memory member being transformable between a retracted position and an extended position in response to the temperature exceeding a threshold, wherein in the extended position, the shape memory member is directly engaged with the switch.
A method for controlling a furnace, the method comprising:
- operating a burner, the burner configured to receive and ignite a supply of combustible gas and produce a heated air, the heated air defining a temperature;
- sensing, with a shape memory member, the temperature of the heated air, the shape memory member having a first fixed end and an opposite, second fixed end;
- and
- actuating, with the shape memory member, a switch communicatively connected to a control board of the furnace, in response to the temperature being greater than a threshold, the switch being arranged within a plane containing the first fixed end and the second fixed end, wherein actuating the switch further comprises transforming the shape memory member from a retracted position to an extended position, and in the extended position, the shape memory member directly engages the switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.