Gas Cooktop Linear Voltage Control for Precise Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cooktop control systems exhibit non-linear gas flow characteristics with respect to user input, making precise and predictable control of gas flow challenging for high-quality cooking.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with a proportional solenoid valve and a linear voltage regulator, where the output voltage of the regulator is controlled by a user interface, allowing for a continuously variable position of the solenoid valve, resulting in a linear relationship between user input and gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual knobs or step valve systems are used to control gas flow, then the control system is simple in structure, but the gas flow control is non-linear and imprecise with respect to user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems (manual knobs mechanically coupled to throttle valves) with an electronic control system comprising a linear voltage regulator, proportional solenoid valve, and user interface element. This substitution enables precise linear control of gas flow through electronic voltage adjustment, which directly controls the solenoid valve position, thereby achieving manufacturing precision improvement while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to electrical voltage. The linear voltage regulator provides a continuously variable output voltage that linearly controls the proportional solenoid valve's opening position, which in turn linearly controls gas flow. This parameter change from mechanical to electrical domain enables precise and predictable gas flow control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If step valve systems with multiple valves are used, then flow control capability is enhanced, but the relationship between control input and actual gas flow remains non-linear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical step valve system with an electronic proportional control system. The linear voltage regulator provides continuous voltage adjustment that directly translates to proportional solenoid valve position and gas flow rate. This electronic substitution eliminates the non-linear characteristics of mechanical step valves while maintaining enhanced flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic continuous control capability through the linear voltage regulator and proportional solenoid valve combination. Instead of discrete step changes, the system provides continuous adjustment of gas flow through continuous voltage variation, enabling adaptive control that maintains linearity between user input and actual gas flow across the entire operating range.
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 provides a precise, consistent, and repeatable control of gas flow to the burner, enhancing cooking performance by ensuring an intuitive and predictable heat application.
Implementation Method 1
a proportional solenoid valve controlling a gas flow to the gas burner from a supply of combustible gas, wherein the proportional solenoid valve has a continuously variable range of positions... a solenoid of the proportional solenoid valve
Data Source
AI summary
Gas cooktops disclosed herein may include a proportional solenoid valve controlling gas flow to a gas burner, where the proportional solenoid valve has a continuously variable range of positions. A user interface (UI) element associated with the proportional solenoid valve may be utilized to control a linear voltage regulator having a continuously variable output voltage. The output voltage of the linear voltage regulator is coupled to a solenoid of the proportional solenoid valve, such that the gas flow to the gas burner has a linear relationship with the output voltage of the linear voltage regulator.