Gas Fitting Detent Control for Reproducible Burner Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas fittings for cooking appliances lack precise control over gas volume flow, making it difficult to adjust gas output reproducibly and safely, particularly for users who need visual or tactile cues, such as those with disabilities, and are affected by changes in gas type.
Innovation Solution
A gas fitting with a rotatable handle shaft that includes multiple open/close valves with locking mechanisms, allowing precise adjustment of gas flow through defined rotational positions, eliminating the need for visual flame assessment and ensuring consistent output regardless of gas type, featuring a locking pin and disk system with spring-loaded anti-twist features for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotatable cone with transverse bores is used to create a variable outlet opening, then gas flow can be adjusted, but the adjustment precision and reproducibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous gas flow control is segmented into N discrete steps using N on-off valves arranged in a circle. Each valve can be independently opened or closed to provide distinct gas flow rates, transforming continuous adjustment into precise discrete steps. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing reproducible adjustment precision without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a rotatable handle shaft that can dynamically switch between N predetermined angular positions, with each position corresponding to a specific combination of opened/closed valves. The locking device ensures stable positioning at each angular position, providing both dynamic adjustability and static precision. This dynamic positioning system resolves the contradiction between adjustment flexibility and precision.
2Reliability
If multiple on-off valves with locking positions are implemented, then reproducible gas flow adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple on-off valves are merged into a single rotational control system where one handle shaft controls all N valves simultaneously. The locking device combines multiple locking functions into a single mechanism that secures the handle shaft at predetermined angular positions. This merging reduces operational complexity while maintaining the reliability of reproducible gas flow settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle shaft serves multiple functions: it simultaneously opens/closes N valves, provides tactile feedback through detent positions, and enables visual indication of gas flow settings. The locking device provides both mechanical securing and positional encoding functions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If visual flame assessment is required to determine gas output, then users can adjust cooking intensity, but users with disabilities cannot operate the device effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides tactile feedback through distinct detent positions that users can feel when rotating the handle shaft, and visual feedback through the angular position itself indicating the selected gas flow rate. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for visual flame assessment, making the device accessible to users with disabilities while preserving complete information about the selected output level.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual flame assessment mechanism is replaced with a mechanical positioning system where the handle shaft's angular position directly encodes the gas flow rate. Users interact with mechanical detents and positions rather than observing flame characteristics. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing accessible operation through tactile and positional feedback while eliminating the need for visual information about flame size.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the gas fitting is designed to work with specific gas types, then optimal performance is achieved, but changing gas type affects the output
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses N on-off valves to create N discrete gas flow rates through combinatorial opening/closing patterns rather than relying on valve opening degree or pressure regulation that would be sensitive to gas type changes. Each valve combination provides a defined flow rate that remains consistent regardless of gas type, enabling adaptability to different gas types while maintaining reliable and consistent output levels.
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
Enables precise and reproducible adjustment of gas flow with tactile and visual feedback, enhancing usability for all users and ensuring safety by eliminating the need to assess flame size, while maintaining consistent output across different gas types.
Implementation Method 1
When the open-close valve is closed, the closing spring presses the valve body onto the valve seat, as a result of which a valve opening of the respective open-close valve is closed.
Implementation Method 2
The locking pin is designed to engage in a form-fitting manner in the locking disk
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas fitting (1) for adjusting a gas flow volume supplied to a gas burner (2) of a cooking appliance (4), more particularly a gas cooking appliance, comprising a plurality N of On/Off valves (6) that can be operated using a rotatable spindle (11) on the gas fitting (1), and a detent device (18) which is designed to lock the spindle (11) in predefined angular positions (P1 - P9), one of the predefined angular positions (P1 - P9) of the spindle (11) being assigned to each of the On/Off valves (6) among the plurality N of On/Off valves (6). The invention also relates to a cooking area (3), more particularly a gas cooking area, having such a gas fitting (1). The invention further relates to a cooking appliance (4), more particularly a gas cooking appliance, having such a cooking area (3) and/or such a gas fitting (1).