Flexible Valve Coupling for Space-Saving Gas Cooktop Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The space constraints in modern gas cooking appliances are exacerbated by the large size requirements of gas valves and manifolds, limiting the number of features that can be accommodated due to the need for adjacent placement, which restricts flexibility in design and increases the depth and surface area required.
Innovation Solution
A flexible shaft coupling connects the gas valve and control element, allowing for separate positioning and flexible routing, reducing the space needed for both the valve and control, and enabling more compact designs by allowing the valve and manifold to be positioned independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the valve and control are positioned adjacent to each other, then the connection is simple and direct, but the space consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate components: the control element (knob) and the valve are positioned independently rather than being integrated or adjacent. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its function while reducing overall space requirements through flexible coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the control and the valve. This flexible shaft or coupling mechanism transmits rotational motion and control input from the control element to the valve while accommodating spatial separation, thus resolving the contradiction between simple connection and space efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple valves and manifold are positioned adjacent to each other, then gas distribution is efficient, but the depth and surface area required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning the manifold and valves at different locations within the appliance rather than confining them to a single plane or adjacent positions. The flexible coupling enables control elements to be positioned on the exterior surface while valves and manifold are positioned internally, effectively using vertical and depth dimensions to reduce surface area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling introduces dynamic positioning capability, allowing the control elements to be positioned independently from the valves and manifold. This dynamic arrangement enables optimal gas distribution efficiency while accommodating compact appliance dimensions, as components can be positioned to minimize depth and surface area rather than being fixed in adjacent relationships.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cook-top size is increased to accommodate more features, then more heating elements and features can be added, but the appliance becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the manifold is positioned within the appliance body, valves are positioned around or adjacent to the manifold within the same volume, and control elements are positioned on the exterior surface. This nested, multi-level arrangement allows multiple heating elements and features to be accommodated without proportionally increasing the appliance's external dimensions.
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 solution provides greater flexibility in appliance design, saving space both within the appliance and on the exterior, enabling more features and improved user interaction without increasing the appliance's size, while maintaining effective control over gas flow to the burners.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible element connects the valve and the control. The flexible element transmits adjustments of the control by a user to the valve so that the valve changes the flow of gas to the gas burner.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for connection of a valve and a control element in a gas cooking appliance is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a flexible coupling to connect between a control element manipulated by the user and a gas valve that regulates the flow of fuel to a gas burner. By coupling the control and valve by a flexible coupling, options are created for the relative placement of the valve and control, which increases the space available in the interior of the appliance and can increase the space available upon its control panel.