Gas Line Support Clip with Wire Passage to Prevent Arcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas cooking appliances, the risk of electrical wires rubbing against gas lines poses a threat of electrical arcing and damage, particularly as these appliances become more complex and introduce more electronic devices, causing gas lines and electrical wires to cross paths.
Innovation Solution
A gas line support device with a clip that elevates the gas line above the electrical wires, using a base with contact portions and a central portion to create a passage for wires below the gas line cradle, preventing contact and guiding wire routing along the appliance's chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical wires are routed through the same cavity as gas lines in gas cooking appliances, then the appliance can accommodate necessary electrical components and controls, but electrical wires may rub against gas lines causing electrical arcing and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support device divides the cavity space by creating a dedicated passage for electrical wires that is separated from the gas line path. The base with its passage structure segments the shared cavity into distinct zones: one for gas lines and another for electrical wiring, eliminating harmful contact while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary structure between the gas line and electrical wires. It provides a designated pathway through its base that guides electrical wires away from the gas line, serving as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact and potential arcing while allowing both components to coexist in the same cavity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more electrical wires are introduced into the appliance cavity to support additional electronic devices and controls, then the appliance functionality is enhanced, but the risk of wire-gas line contact and arcing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device's passage structure creates a dedicated corridor that can accommodate multiple electrical wires while keeping them segregated from the gas line. This segmentation allows the appliance to support additional electronic devices and controls without increasing the risk of arcing, as all wires pass through the protected passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the gas line, creates a protected passage for one or more electrical wires, and prevents contact between gas and electrical components. This multi-functionality allows enhanced appliance functionality while maintaining safety.
3Volume of moving object
If gas lines and electrical wires cross each other in the appliance cavity, then space is utilized efficiently, but contact between the gas line and electrical wires can occur causing damage and arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The support device resolves the spatial conflict by introducing a vertical dimension to the routing arrangement. The gas line passes over the support device while electrical wires pass through the passage below, creating a three-dimensional separation that allows efficient space utilization without contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device segments the crossing path into two distinct levels: an upper path for the gas line and a lower path through the passage for electrical wires. This segmentation maintains efficient space utilization while eliminating the harmful contact that would occur in a two-dimensional crossing.
4Reliability
If gas lines are supported above electrical wires using a support device with a passage, then contact is prevented and arcing is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: gas line support, wire passage provision, and contact prevention. By combining these functions into one device rather than using separate components, the solution achieves high reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously supports the gas line, provides a protected passage for wires, and prevents contact between them. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving the reliability goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas line support device configured to support a gas line in a domestic home appliance includes: a base, the base having a plurality of contact portions that are configured to rest on a surface in a chassis of the domestic home appliance; a central portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the central portion being attached to the base at the first end of the central portion; a gas line cradle attached to the second end of the central portion, the gas line cradle being configured to support a gas line in the domestic home appliance; a passage in the base, the passage being formed between two of the contact portions of the base and being configured to receive an electrical wire such that the electrical wire passes through the passage and below the gas line cradle; and an attachment portion extending from one of the contact portions of the base, the attachment portion being configured to attach the gas line support device to the surface.