Gas Cooktop Sealing Device with Nested Elastically Deformable Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas cooktops face challenges in preventing liquid or food from entering the interior between the facing element and the operating element, leading to potential damage and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A gas cooktop design featuring a sealing device with a first and second elastically deformable sealing element, where the first sealing element is inserted into the second, ensuring a reliable seal by expanding the inner diameter of the second element or compressing the outer diameter of the first, made from materials like silicone or polyurethane, and positioned to prevent liquid ingress through a peripheral annular groove and support sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single sealing element is used between the operating element and facing element, then the structure is simple, but liquid or food can penetrate into the interior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is divided into two separate sealing elements: a first sealing element connected to the facing element and a second sealing element connected to the operating element. This segmentation allows each sealing element to independently contribute to the sealing function, preventing liquid or food penetration while maintaining structural clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first sealing element is inserted into the second sealing element when the operating element is rotated, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement ensures that both sealing elements work together in a compact space, providing enhanced sealing effectiveness without significantly increasing the overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the sealing elements are made rigid, then the structure is stable, but the seal becomes unreliable when the operating element moves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal consistencyVSAvoidsealing element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing elements are designed to be elastically deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the movement and rotation of the operating element. This elasticity ensures continuous contact and reliable sealing throughout the operating range while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements are made from elastically deformable plastic materials such as silicone or polyurethane, which can change their physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to mechanical stress. This allows the sealing elements to deform during operation and return to their original shape, ensuring consistent sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the first sealing element is pressed into the second sealing element, then the seal is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal tightnessVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The use of elastically deformable materials allows the sealing elements to accommodate dimensional variations through elastic deformation. The pressing action expands the inner diameter of the second sealing element and compresses the outer diameter of the first sealing element, creating a tight interference fit that compensates for manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements are designed as flexible, thin-walled structures made from elastomeric materials. This flexibility allows them to deform under pressing forces to achieve tight sealing contact, while the material properties provide resilience to maintain the seal over time and through repeated operation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design ensures a consistent and effective seal, preventing liquid or food from penetrating, thus enhancing the reliability and durability of the gas cooktop by maintaining tightness during operation.

Implementation Method 1

the first sealing element and the second sealing element are elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3021190B1Gas cooking equipment and hotplate assembly
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3021190B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3021190B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3021190B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gas hob (3) with a gas valve (5), an operating element (11) which is non-rotatably connected to an operating shaft (10) of the gas valve (5) for operating the gas valve (5) and a sealing device (12) which is located between the control element (11) and a facing element (8) of the gas hob (3), the sealing device (12) comprising a first sealing element (15) which is connected to the facing element (8) and a second sealing element (16) which connected to the control element (11), wherein the first sealing element (15) is inserted into the second sealing element (16) and wherein when the control element (11) is rotated, the second sealing element (16) moves relative to the first sealing element (15 ) emotional.