Gas Grill Automated Shutdown Using Controller and Burner Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas grill shutdown processes require a high degree of user interaction, especially for multi-burner grills, involving multiple manual steps that can become cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An automated shutdown process for gas grills that reduces user interactions by utilizing a control system with electrically controlled valves and encoders, allowing for minimal manual input to extinguish all burners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shutdown process is used for multi-burner gas grills, then each burner can be individually controlled, but the shutdown process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple user interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual burner control functions into a single master control valve that simultaneously controls gas flow to all burners. This eliminates the need for multiple separate control knobs, reducing the shutdown process to a single user interaction while maintaining individual burner controllability through the controller's ability to selectively activate specific burners.
Solution Approach 2:
The master control valve serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary gas supply control for all burners, replaces multiple individual burner valves, and works in conjunction with the controller to enable selective burner operation. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Productivity
If multiple individual burner valves are used, then each burner can be independently controlled, but the shutdown process requires repeating the same manual steps for each burner
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the controller automatically close individual burner valves in sequence before the user operates the master control valve. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for the user to manually operate each burner valve, significantly reducing the time required for shutdown while maintaining proper gas flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of multiple burner valves with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses solenoid actuators to automatically close individual burner valves, substituting repetitive manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss.
3Extent of automation
If automated control system is implemented, then user interactions are reduced, but the device complexity increases with addition of controller and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the grill to automatically detect and respond to shutdown conditions without requiring user intervention. The controller monitors the state of burners and automatically closes individual valves and the master valve in the proper sequence, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or manual操作步骤.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus for automating shutdown processes of gas grills are disclosed. An example grill includes a first burner, a second burner, a first burner valve operatively positioned between the first burner and a manifold of the grill, and a second burner valve operatively positioned between the second burner and the manifold. The example grill further includes a controller operatively coupled to the first burner valve and the second burner valve. In response to determining that a shutdown request has been received at the grill, the controller is to instruct the first burner valve and the second burner valve to close.