Appliance burner assignment indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital gas cooking appliances, the need for multiple control knobs or selectors for each burner is inefficient, as they can be positioned anywhere and are not necessarily physically connected to the valves they control, leading to a lack of flexibility and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system with configurable control selectors that can be assigned to operate multiple burners or heating elements, using a processor and user interface to manage the assignment of control knobs or selectors, allowing for safe operation with minimal operator input and enabling the disabling of appliances for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control knobs are dedicated to each burner, then each burner can be controlled independently, but the number of control knobs increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single control knob is configured to control multiple burners through electronic assignment rather than direct mechanical connection. The control knob serves multiple functions by being electronically assignable to different burners, eliminating the need for separate dedicated knobs for each burner while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic controller acts as an intermediary between the control knob and the burners. The controller receives signals from the control knob and translates them into appropriate valve control signals for the assigned burners, enabling one knob to manage multiple burners without direct mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If control knobs are not physically connected to valves, then knobs can be positioned anywhere on the appliance, but safety concerns arise from lack of direct coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical connection between control knobs and valves is replaced with an electronic control system. Electrical signals transmitted through the electronic controller substitute for mechanical linkages, allowing knobs to be positioned independently while maintaining reliable control through electronic actuation of the valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic controller monitors the state of burners and valves, and provides appropriate responses to ensure safe operation. This feedback loop compensates for the lack of direct mechanical coupling by actively managing the relationship between control inputs and valve actuation.
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
This system provides flexible and safe operation of gas valves by allowing a single control selector to manage multiple burners, enhancing user convenience and safety by reducing the need for dedicated control knobs and enabling efficient appliance management.
Implementation Method 1
the control knobs are mechanically coupled to a resolver or potentiometer that then supplies an electrical signal to the gas valves
Data Source
AI summary
A system for indicating the burner assignments of a plurality of burners operated by a plurality of digital gas valves to a plurality of control selectors that are configurably assigned to a specified burner or burners.