Gas Burner Ignition With Integrated Push-Button Shut-Off Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas cooking appliances, particularly gas barbecues, require multiple operations to turn on and ignite burners, making them complex and less intuitive for users, with a higher number of parts contributing to increased costs and reduced compactness.
Innovation Solution
A push button unit that integrates three functions: opening the shut-off valve, activating the control unit, and igniting the electrode, using a bi-stable electromagnetic shut-off valve and a control unit that receives electric current pulses to control the valve, allowing for a single pressing operation to perform these functions, reducing the number of parts and simplifying user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuators are used for opening shut-off valve, activating control unit, and igniting electrode, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate functions (opening shut-off valve, activating control unit, igniting electrode) into a single integrated push button unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate actuators, reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The push button unit is designed as a universal actuator that performs multiple functions: it opens the shut-off valve, activates the control unit, and triggers the ignition electrode. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace several dedicated actuators, simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate actuators and parts are used, then each component can be specialized, but the number of parts increases leading to higher cost and reduced compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (shut-off valve actuator, control unit switch, ignition button) into a single integrated push button unit. This reduces the total number of parts, making the appliance more compact and potentially reducing manufacturing costs through fewer assembly steps.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a bi-stable electromagnetic shut-off valve is used, then the closure member remains fixed without continuous electrical power, but the valve requires electromagnetic electric current pulses for position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-stable electromagnetic shut-off valve uses periodic electromagnetic current pulses to transition the closure member between stable positions (open/closed). Once positioned, no continuous power is needed, as the valve maintains its state without energy input. This periodic actuation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuously powered valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous power requirement from the shut-off valve system by using a bi-stable design. The valve is designed to maintain its position without continuous electrical power, removing the need for constant energy supply while still allowing controlled position changes through pulsed electromagnetic actuation.
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 results in a more compact, easier-to-use, and cost-effective gas cooking appliance with a simplified operation, as users only need to open the gas valve and press the push button to ignite the burner, enhancing user experience and reducing the complexity of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic shut-off valve arranged in the gas conduit comprising a closure member for closing the passage of gas, and a control unit for controlling the shut-off valve. The closure member of the shut-off valve comprises a stable closed position and a stable open position, the closure member going from the open position to the closed position and vice versa when the shut-off valve receives electromagnetic electric current pulses
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments gas cooking appliances are provided that include at least one burner, an electrode, and a push button unit with a push button for activating the electrode. A gas valve is provided for each burner for regulating gas flow arriving from a gas conduit. An electromagnetic shut-off valve is arranged in the gas conduit and includes a closure member for closing the passage of gas. A control unit controls the shut-off valve. The closure member includes a stable closed position and a stable open position, the closure member changing position upon receiving electric current pulses. The push button unit is configured for pushing the closure member of the shut-off valve to the open position while at the same time activating the control unit and the electrode when the push button is pressed when the gas cooking appliance off. The control unit controls the shut-off valve by means of electric current pulses once the push button has been pressed.