Adjustable Low-Pressure Gas Regulator for Outdoor Cooking Fuel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas fueled grills face challenges in controlling the precise delivery of propane fuel to outdoor cooking stations, lacking adjustable pressure regulators to efficiently manage gas flow for varying cooking temperatures and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A low-pressure adjustable pressure regulator is designed with a rotatable knob that adjusts gas flow pressure between 15 inches and 7.5 inches of water column, incorporating a lever arm and diaphragm mechanism to manually control gas flow, allowing for precise adjustment of propane delivery from a propane tank to a cooking station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pressure regulator is used to deliver gas to the cooking station, then the gas flow pressure is maintained at a constant level, but the ability to adjust pressure for varying cooking temperatures and fuel efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed with a rotatable knob that allows dynamic adjustment of the lever arm position, enabling the user to change the pressure regulation ratio according to cooking needs. The lever arm can be positioned at different angles to adjust the effective area of the diaphragm, thereby varying the output pressure dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator changes the physical parameter of pressure by allowing the user to adjust the lever arm position, which modifies the mechanical advantage ratio between the inlet pressure and outlet pressure. This enables continuous variation of the output pressure parameter to match different cooking requirements.
2Temperature
If higher gas flow pressure is used to deliver fuel to the cooking station, then the cooking temperature can be increased, but fuel efficiency decreases and excessive pressure may be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable lever arm mechanism allows the user to dynamically match the gas flow pressure to the actual cooking temperature requirements. By adjusting the lever position, the user can optimize the pressure level to achieve the desired cooking temperature while minimizing excess pressure that would waste fuel.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator enables precise control of the pressure parameter to match the thermal requirements of different cooking tasks. By varying the pressure parameter according to the cooking temperature needs, the system achieves optimal fuel efficiency while maintaining the required cooking temperature.
3Loss of energy
If lower gas flow pressure is used to improve fuel efficiency, then cooking temperature may be insufficient, but the adjustable regulator enables pressure reduction to between 7.5 and 15 inches of water column
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the user to find the optimal pressure point that balances fuel efficiency and cooking temperature requirements for each specific cooking task. The lever arm can be positioned to provide the exact pressure level needed, whether that requires maximum pressure for high-heat searing or reduced pressure for low-heat simmering.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator provides continuous variation of the pressure parameter within the 7.5 to 15 inches water column range, enabling the user to match the pressure parameter to the thermal demands of different cooking methods, thereby optimizing the balance between fuel efficiency and cooking temperature.
4Measurement precision
If no pressure adjustment mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but precise control of propane delivery to the cooking station cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable lever arm mechanism provides precise control over the pressure regulation ratio through manual positioning. The user can adjust the lever to specific angles corresponding to different pressure levels, enabling precise control of propane delivery to match the exact requirements of various cooking tasks.
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
Enables precise control of gas flow, allowing for lower temperature cooking and increased fuel efficiency by adjusting pressure between 15 inches and 7.5 inches of water column, enhancing the usability and efficiency of gas fueled outdoor cooking stations.
Implementation Method 1
the diaphragm moveable between an expanded position and a compressed position
Implementation Method 2
the at least one spring operatively coupled to the lever arm
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a pressure regulator for delivering gas to a cooking station. The pressure regulator includes a body defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The body also includes a knob coupled to the body, the knob manually rotatable about an axis defined by the knob. The pressure regulator also includes a lever arm within the body. The lever arm extends to an end portion positioned adjacent the gas inlet, the lever arm pivotable via rotation of the knob such that rotation of the knob adjusts gas flow pressure through the body between about 11 inches of water column and about 8.5 inches of water column.