Switch assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch assemblies for gas burners in cooking appliances require multiple electric switches, which complicate installation, maintenance, and can obstruct access to gas valves, and are not adaptable to various configurations of cooking appliances.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with a single spring-biased ignition switch and an actuating member that spans multiple gas valves, allowing for a single ignition switch to control all burners, with a flexible actuating member that can be adapted to different configurations and spacings, and a cam mechanism for rotational to linear movement conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple electric switches are used for each gas valve, then each burner can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and access to gas valves is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions into a single electric switch assembly. The actuating member with multiple apertures allows one switch to control multiple gas valves, reducing the total number of switches from multiple individual switches to a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric switch assembly is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple gas valves. The actuating member can engage with multiple gas valve stems through its apertures, allowing one switch to perform the function of multiple switches, thus simplifying the overall device structure
2Reliability
If electric switches are positioned at corresponding gas valves, then direct actuation is achieved, but water spillage test results are compromised and valve access is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member serves as an intermediary between the electric switch and the gas valves. It transmits the actuating force from the switch to the gas valve stems through its apertures, allowing the switch to be positioned away from the valves while still achieving direct mechanical actuation, thus protecting the switch from water spillage and improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating member is segmented with multiple apertures that can selectively engage with different gas valve stems. This segmentation allows the single actuating member to interact with multiple valves independently, enabling the switch to control multiple valves without being positioned at each valve location, thereby protecting the switch from contamination while maintaining operational access
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different switch assemblies are used to accommodate various cooking appliance configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and parts inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric switch assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can accommodate various cooking appliance configurations. The actuating member with multiple apertures can engage with different numbers and arrangements of gas valves, allowing a single switch assembly design to replace multiple configuration-specific assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity and parts inventory while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating member is designed with flexible engagement capabilities through its apertures, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different gas valve configurations. The apertures can engage with different combinations of valve stems depending on the appliance layout, enabling a single static switch assembly to serve multiple dynamic configuration requirements
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 assembly, reduces parts and cabling, protects the switch from contamination, and allows for easier access to gas valves, while accommodating various cooking appliance configurations with a single actuating member suitable for different models and burner arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased ignition switch, operably mountable to the at least one first support member
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly for controlling the ignition of gas burners of a cooking appliance having one or more gas valves. The switch assembly includes at least one first support member, operably couplable to a first gas valve, a spring biased ignition switch operably mountable to the at least one first support member, and an actuating member, having a longitudinal axis and operably couplable to at least the first gas valve between the at least one first support member and at least a control knob of at least the first gas valve. The actuating member is adapted to move between a first position, actuatingly engaged with the ignition switch, and a second position, actuatingly disengaged from the ignition switch, wherein the actuating member is moved towards the first position by at least the control knob, and back towards the second position by the spring biased ignition switch.