Cooking apparatus and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas ranges face challenges in controlling heat distribution efficiently, leading to potential fires when gas supply changes rapidly or when providing low heat, requiring complex configurations to manage these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a modulating valve and boosting valve system, controlled by a controller and sensor, allows for adjustable gas flow and boosting modes through a simple knob operation, preventing fires and ensuring consistent heat delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a conventional gas range uses a separate structure to provide large heat at the beginning of cooking, then the cooking time can be shortened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the boosting function and modulating function into a single gas valve assembly. The boosting valve and modulating valve are integrated within the same valve body, sharing common components such as the valve seat and control mechanism. This merging allows the apparatus to provide both high-heat boosting and precise heat modulation without requiring entirely separate structural systems, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to shorten cooking time through boosting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a boosting mode to provide large amounts of heat quickly, in a modulating mode to provide precise heat control, and in a normal cooking mode for standard operations. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated valve structure that can switch between different operational states, eliminating the need for completely separate structures for each function and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining time efficiency.
2Speed
If the amount of gas supplied changes rapidly during cooking, then the heat output can be adjusted quickly, but the risk of fire increases due to ambient air flow into the heating device
Solution Approach 1:
The modulating valve is designed to activate before the boosting valve during gas supply changes. When the gas valve receives a signal to increase gas flow, the modulating valve opens first to establish a controlled gas flow path, and only after this is established does the boosting valve open to provide the large amount of gas needed for high-heat output. This preliminary action prevents sudden gas rushes that could cause fire hazards by ensuring a stable flow path is already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve design incorporates a cushioning mechanism where the modulating valve provides a transitional state between low and high gas flow. This intermediate step acts as a buffer, preventing abrupt changes in gas supply that could lead to fire risks. The modulating valve's gradual opening creates a smooth transition in gas flow, cushioning the system against sudden pressure changes and ambient air infiltration that could cause combustion hazards.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a relatively small amount of heat is provided to the heating device, then energy consumption is reduced, but the fire may go out due to ambient air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the gas flow rate and heating device temperature, and adjusts the valve positions accordingly. When a small amount of heat is required, the system maintains a minimum gas flow through precise modulating valve control, and the feedback mechanism ensures that any tendency toward flame instability is corrected by making real-time adjustments to the valve opening. This continuous feedback loop prevents the fire from going out even during low-heat operation by maintaining optimal gas flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. During low-heat requirements, the modulating valve maintains a stable, controlled opening to ensure continuous, steady gas flow that prevents flame extinction. The system can rapidly transition between different flow rates while maintaining stability at each level, allowing energy-efficient low-heat operation without sacrificing fire reliability through dynamic adaptation to changing conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If a modulating valve and boosting valve system is implemented, then heat management precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modulating valve and boosting valve are merged into a single integrated valve assembly, sharing common structural elements such as the valve body, valve seat, and control linkage. This integration allows both valves to be controlled by a single actuator or control mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the precision heat management capabilities that would otherwise require two completely independent valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through a single structure: it can provide precise heat modulation through the modulating valve, high-heat boosting through the boosting valve, and automatic transition between these modes. This multi-functionality is achieved within a unified valve body that accommodates both control mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate structural systems and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high heat management precision.
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 solution enables convenient operation of a boosting mode and prevents fires by adjusting gas flow, ensuring efficient heat management and safety during rapid gas changes and low heat conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a gas valve configured to supply gas to the gas passage, a modulating valve configured to adjust the degree of opening of the gas passage
Implementation Method 2
a boosting valve configured to open and close the boosting passage
Implementation Method 3
a first nozzle disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the gas passage, and a second nozzle disposed between the second portion of the gas passage and the heating device
Implementation Method 4
a heating device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus including a heating device, a gas passage to guide gas supplied from the outside to the heating device, a gas valve configured to supply gas to the gas passage, a modulating valve configured to adjust the degree of opening of the gas passage, a boosting passage formed to be branched from a first portion of the gas passage and joined to a second portion of the gas passage positioned in the rear of the first portion along a direction in which gas in the gas passage flows, a boosting valve configured to open and close the boosting passage, a first nozzle disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the gas passage, and a second nozzle disposed between the second portion of the gas passage and the heating device.