Gas appliance control device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas tap control devices with timing functions are inconvenient, complex, and costly to produce, especially when multiple devices require simultaneous timing control, as they often require separate displays and complicated data communication logic, making them difficult to use and manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A compact and cost-effective control device with a integrated display that provides clear and immediate information, featuring a coaxial timer mechanism and visual warning means, such as LEDs, mounted directly on the gas tap, allowing for easy installation and user-friendly operation, eliminating the need for separate displays and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate displays and complicated data communication logic are used for multiple gas taps with timing control, then timing control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display unit directly into the control device housing, creating a single integrated unit that combines timing control, display, and user interaction elements. This eliminates the need for separate display modules and complex data communication interfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full timing control functionality for multiple gas taps.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed as a universal unit that can control multiple gas taps simultaneously through a single display interface. The device integrates multiple functions including timing control, display, user input reception, and coordination of multiple taps, thereby eliminating the need for separate displays for each tap and reducing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If separate displays are provided for each gas tap, then timing information is displayed, but production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display functions into a single shared display unit that is integrated into the control device housing. This single display can show timing information for multiple gas taps simultaneously, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate display modules for each tap, thereby reducing production complexity and cost while ensuring timing information is clearly displayed.
3Device complexity
If a compact integrated control device is used, then production complexity and cost are reduced, but information display clarity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the display unit within easy viewing distance of the user, specifically in the housing of the control device where it can be clearly seen during operation. The display is locally optimized for clarity and visibility, ensuring that timing information is presented in a clear, readable format without requiring external or separate display components, thus maintaining information clarity while reducing overall device complexity.
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 provides a user-friendly, compact, and cost-effective control device that simplifies the display of timing information for multiple gas taps, reducing production complexity and enhancing user convenience while maintaining clear information dissemination.
Implementation Method 1
The opposite end of the thermocouple, i.e., its sensitive part or hot junction, is installed in the proximity of the burner controlled by the tap. When the burner is lit, the sensitive part of the thermocouple generates an electromotive force (e.m.f.) in response to the heat generated by the flame on the burner, which determines a current that supplies the electromagnet of the safety valve
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnet is supplied via a thermo-electric generator, typically constituted by a thermocouple connected to a corresponding attachment or electrical connector of the tap body. The current supplies the electromagnet of the safety valve, such as to keep the open/close element of the latter (associated to a movable core attracted by the electromagnet) in the respective open condition, countering the action of a spring
Implementation Method 3
when the burner is turned off manually, or goes out accidentally, the electrical supply to the electromagnet ceases and the valve closes, forced in this direction by the aforesaid spring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A control device for gas appliances comprises: - manual-control means (12, 22); - a circuit arrangement that includes control means, electrical-interconnection means, detection means configured for detecting actuation of the manual-control means (12, 22) and supplying corresponding signals to the control means; and - a supporting structure that can be associated in a stationary way with respect to a gas tap (10), wherein the supporting structure includes a first part of stationary structure (21) that defines a housing for at least part of the circuit arrangement, the first part of structure being in particular designed for being housed within a body (3) of the gas appliance. The control means are designed for counting the time, the circuit arrangement includes display means ( D') and the supporting structure includes a second part of stationary structure (43, 44) associated to or projecting from the first part of structure (21) and configured for supporting the display means (D) in a fixed or not angularly rotatable position, where in particular, in an installed condition of the device (20), the second part of structure (43, 44) projects on the outside of the body (2, 3) of the gas appliance (1).