Piezotändare

A piezotändare, also known as a piezoelectric igniter, is a device that uses the piezoelectric effect to generate a spark. This effect describes the phenomenon where certain crystalline materials produce an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. In a piezotändare, a spring-loaded hammer strikes a piezoelectric crystal. The rapid pressure applied to the crystal causes it to generate a high-voltage electrical pulse. This pulse then jumps across a small gap between two electrodes, creating a visible spark.

Piezotändare are commonly found in gas lighters, such as those used for cigarettes or barbecue grills, and in gas stoves. Their primary advantage is their reliability and independence from external power sources like batteries or matches. The mechanical action of pressing a button or turning a knob directly triggers the spark. The durability of the piezoelectric crystal and the simple mechanical design contribute to a long lifespan for these igniters.

The construction typically involves a piezoelectric ceramic, a spring, a hammer mechanism, and an electrode assembly. When the igniter is activated, the hammer strikes the crystal, inducing the voltage. The spark then ignites the fuel source, such as propane or butane. Due to their efficiency and ease of use, piezotändare have become a ubiquitous ignition method in many everyday applications.