Control system for gas fireplace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for gas fireplaces with direct push valves face issues of wear on the push rod due to relative sliding, leading to potential jamming and reduced service life, and require complex motion transfer for long-distance control.
Innovation Solution
A control system incorporating a slider-crank mechanism that converts linear motion of the operating rod into linear motion of the jacking rod, reducing displacement and ensuring consistent motion direction with the push rod, along with buffer positioning devices for smooth operation and adjustable flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a terminal component of a motion mechanism pushes the direct push valve, then the valve can be controlled, but there is relative sliding between the terminal component and the push rod, increasing wear and causing lateral force that may lead to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal component with a push block that acts as an intermediary between the motion mechanism and the push rod. The push block is designed to engage with the push rod through a push surface, creating a controlled interface that minimizes relative sliding and lateral forces. This intermediary structure protects the push rod from direct contact forces, reducing wear and preventing jamming while maintaining reliable valve control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary plug valve is used, then the valve can control gas supply, but it requires pressing motion and rotation motion, resulting in complicated motion transfer that is difficult to transfer for long distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotary plug valve with a direct push valve that operates through simple linear motion. This substitution eliminates the need for complex pressing and rotation motions, transforming the valve operation into a straightforward push-pull action that can be easily transferred over long distances through the motion mechanism without requiring complicated transfer components.
3Ease of operation
If the operating elements are concealed or disposed at the bottom of the product, then the gas fireplace has minimal exposed operating elements, but this results in long distance between the operating elements and the valve for controlling gas supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motion transfer system into multiple segmented components including a first connecting rod, second connecting rod, and terminal component with push block. This segmentation allows the motion to be transferred through intermediate stages over the long distance from the concealed operating elements to the valve, maintaining operational effectiveness while preserving the concealed design aesthetic.
4Ease of operation
If a direct push valve is used for long-distance motion transfer control, then the valve is simple to operate, but the relative sliding increases wear on the push rod and may cause deflection leading to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a buffer component in the terminal component that provides beforehand cushioning for the push rod. This buffer absorbs shocks and reduces lateral forces during operation, protecting the push rod from wear and deflection before they can cause damage or jamming, while maintaining the simplicity of linear motion operation.
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
The system provides smooth operation, reduces wear on the push rod, prolongs its service life, and allows convenient adjustment between high-level and low-level gas supply states with automatic return to desired positions, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first reset spring, positioned in the gas outlet cavity, capable of pushing the push rod to do linear motion in a direction leaving far away from the gas inlet cavity
Implementation Method 2
A control system incorporating a slider-crank mechanism that converts linear motion of the operating rod into linear motion of the jacking rod, reducing displacement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed is a control system for a gas fireplace, including a housing, a direct push valve and a driving mechanism, where the direct push valve is disposed on the housing, and includes a valve body, and a push rod disposed along an axis of the valve body, the driving mechanism is disposed on the housing, and is capable of driving the push rod to do linear motion along the axis of the valve body, and the driving mechanism includes an operating rod doing linear motion along the housing, a first connecting rod hinged to a bottom end of the operating rod, a rotating rod hinged to the other end of the first connecting rod, a second connecting rod hinged to the other end of the rotating rod, and a jacking rod hinged to the other end of the second connecting rod. A rotating shaft is disposed on the housing, the rotating rod is capable of rotating around the rotating shaft, and the jacking rod is capable of doing linear motion along the axis of the valve body. When the operating rod does linear motion in a vertical direction of the housing, the jacking rod is pushed to do linear motion along the axis of the valve body. When the jacking rod does linear motion along the axis of the valve body, the push rod is pushed to do linear motion along the axis of the valve body.