Gas Cooker Safety Reset Logic for Child-Proof Flame Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cooking appliances face safety hazards due to uncontrolled gas flow after a burner flame extinguishes, particularly when children inadvertently activate the safety system, and the cost of equipping each burner with electrically controlled valves is prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that uses a manually operated reset switch in conjunction with a control valve and flame detectors to ensure gas flow is only reinstated when both hands are used, blocking gas flow unless the reset switch is manually activated, eliminating the need for electrically controlled valves on each burner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically controlled valves are installed on each gas burner to regulate gas flow, then safety is improved by preventing uncontrolled gas flow when flame extinguishes, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrically controlled valve from each individual burner and relocates it to the main gas supply line. This single valve controls gas flow to all burners collectively, eliminating the need for multiple valves while maintaining safety functionality. The valve is positioned upstream of the distribution manifold, allowing centralized control of gas flow to the entire cooking appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electrically controlled valve on the main gas line serves all burners simultaneously, performing a universal function rather than requiring separate valves for each burner. This multi-functional approach maintains safety across all burners while reducing system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If electrically controlled valves are installed on each gas burner, then safety is improved by preventing uncontrolled gas flow, but manufacturing cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrically controlled valve from each individual burner and relocates it to the main gas supply line. This single valve controls gas flow to all burners collectively, eliminating the need for multiple valves while maintaining safety functionality. The valve is positioned upstream of the distribution manifold, allowing centralized control of gas flow to the entire cooking appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive individual burner valves with a single, more economical valve on the main gas line. This cost-effective solution achieves the same safety objective without the prohibitive cost of multiple valves, making the system economically viable for mass production.
3Reliability
If a child safety device is provided that shuts off gas flow in the main gas line, then safety is improved by preventing unintended rekindling, but ease of operation deteriorates when children can inadvertently activate the system by opening or closing two faucets simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control system as an intermediary between the valve position switches and the electrically controlled valve. This intelligent mediator processes signals from multiple valve position switches, implements logical decision-making, and controls the valve accordingly. The microprocessor distinguishes between intentional user actions (opening one valve) and potential child play (opening/closing multiple valves), preventing false activation while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of gas valves through position switches and provides feedback to the microprocessor. This real-time feedback allows the control system to detect patterns of valve operation and make intelligent decisions about whether to activate the safety shutdown, distinguishing between legitimate cooking operations and potential child interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a safety system for gas-operated cooking appliances which have at least one burner which is connected to the mains gas network via a distributor, the gas flow of which is controlled by a hand-operated gas tap. The safety system has a position switch, a flame detector and an electrically controlled valve which is installed in the mains gas network. The safety system has a manually actuated restoring switch which operates in communication with the control valve. A control circuit is designed such that it opens a closed control valve only when it receives a signal from a restoring switch and at the same time from the position switch of a burner, when the flame detector of which has triggered the shut-off of the control valve. The safety system serves as a child safety measure which prevents an inadvertent re-activation of a gas flow system that has been shut off.