Gas Burner Ignition Control Using Flexible Cable and Single Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas burner ignition systems for domestic cooking appliances require multiple electric switches, compromising the liquid seal and necessitating different switch types for rotary and axial movement controls.
Innovation Solution
A control device utilizing a single electric switch with a flexible insulating cable to control spark plug ignition, where the cable's bending activates the switch, eliminating the need for multiple switches and allowing universal compatibility between linear and rotary gas tap controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple electric switches are used to control each gas tap, then each gas burner can be controlled independently, but the liquid seal is compromised and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions into a single electric switch located remotely from the gas taps. The flexible cable allows this single switch to control multiple burners without requiring separate switches at each tap location, thereby reducing component count while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable acts as an intermediary element that transmits the switching signal from the remote single switch to the ignition system. This mediator enables the single switch to control multiple burners without direct mechanical connection to each gas tap, preserving the liquid seal while enabling independent control.
2Ease of operation
If electric switches are positioned at the gas taps, then direct control is achieved, but the liquid seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electric switch is extracted from the gas tap assembly and relocated to a remote position. The flexible cable connects the removed switch to the ignition system, allowing the switch to be positioned away from the liquid seal area while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the remote switch and the ignition system. This allows the switch to be positioned away from the gas taps, preserving the liquid seal integrity while maintaining direct control capability through the flexible connection.
3Ease of operation
If different switch types are used for rotary and axial movement controls, then each control type can be optimized, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single electric switch design is made universal to work with both rotary and axial movement gas tap controls. The flexible cable's ability to accommodate different movement types allows one switch design to serve multiple control configurations, eliminating the need for different switch types.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable provides dynamic adaptability to accommodate different control movements (rotary or axial). Its flexibility allows it to transmit the switching signal regardless of the specific movement type, enabling a single switch design to optimize for different control configurations without requiring type-specific switches.
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 simplifies the ignition system by using a single switch, reduces component count, prevents liquid exposure, and ensures compatibility with both linear and rotary controls, enhancing reliability and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
A control device utilizing a single electric switch with a flexible insulating cable to control spark plug ignition, where the cable's bending activates the switch
Implementation Method 2
The spark plugs are electrically connected to an electric igniter which supplies spark plugs with a high voltage current designed to generate the spark discharge on the spark plugs
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for controlling the ignition of gas burners of a domestic cooking appliance. The device includes an electric switch with an insulating casing that carries a pair of fixed electric contacts. A movable body carries a movable electric contact that cooperates with the fixed electric contacts. The movable body is displaceable with respect to the casing between an open position and a closed position. An elastic element elastically pushes movable body toward the open position. A flexible cable has a first end that is anchored to the movable body and a second end that is anchored to a fixed support. A plurality of actuating members is associated with respective gas taps and have movable elements that cooperate with respective sections of the flexible cable. Each actuating member can bend a respective portion of the flexible cable into corrugated shape during the opening of the respective gas tap.