Gas Burner Ignition With Integrated Shut-Off Valve Actuation

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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 complexity.

Innovation Solution

A push button unit integrated with a bistable electromagnetic shut-off valve and control unit that performs three functions in one operation: opening the shut-off valve, activating the control unit, and igniting the electrode, reducing the number of parts and simplifying user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shut-off valve and control unit are added to the gas cooking appliance, then gas flow control and safety are improved, but the number of operations required to turn on the appliance increases and operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow controlVSAvoidnumber of operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shut-off valve actuation, control unit activation, and electrode ignition functions into a single integrated push button operation. When the user presses the push button, it simultaneously actuates the shut-off valve to open gas flow, activates the control unit, and triggers the ignition electrode, thereby resolving the contradiction by merging multiple separate operations into one unified action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The push button is designed as a multi-functional actuator that performs multiple functions: it opens the shut-off valve, activates the control unit, and ignites the electrode. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple operational roles, reducing the number of steps required to turn on the appliance while maintaining safety and control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (shut-off valve, control unit, ignition system) are used, then functional control is improved, but device complexity and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional controlVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation mechanisms for the shut-off valve, control unit activation, and ignition electrode into a single integrated push button assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure while preserving the functional control capabilities of each subsystem through coordinated operation triggered by one action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for shut-off valve and control functions, then gas flow regulation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow regulationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple functional components into an integrated assembly where a single push button triggers coordinated operation of the shut-off valve, control unit, and ignition system. This merging reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable gas flow regulation through the shut-off valve mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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-operate, and cost-effective gas cooking appliance that simplifies user interaction by consolidating functions into a single push button operation, enhancing user experience and reducing component count.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic shut-off valve arranged in the gas conduit comprising a closure member for closing the passage of gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

an ignition electrode for turning on the burner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentEP3483502B1Gas cooking appliance
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 COPRECI S COOP
  • EP3483502B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3483502B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3483502B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Gas cooking appliance comprising at least one burner (10), an electrode (41), a push button unit (42) with a push button (46) for activating the electrode (41), a gas valve (80) for each burner (10) for regulating gas flow arriving from a gas conduit (20), an electromagnetic shut-off valve (30) arranged in the gas conduit (20) comprising a closure member (33) for closing the passage of gas, and a control unit (100) for controlling the shut-off valve (30). The closure member (33) comprises a stable closed position and a stable open position, said closure member (33) changing position upon receiving electric current pulses, and the push button unit (42) is configured for pushing the closure member (33) of the shut-off valve (30) to the open position, for activating the control unit (100), and for activating the electrode (41) when the push button (46) is pressed with the gas cooking appliance (200) off, the control unit (100) controlling the shut-off valve (30) by means of electric current pulses once the push button (46) has been pressed.