Gas Stove Burner Control With Cyclic Flame Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas stove control arrangements lack the ability to reduce burner power below the smallest burner capacity without requiring specialized components or a flame monitor, as they rely exclusively on the flow control valve for power adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A second control apparatus is introduced between the signal transducer and the first control apparatus, simulating continuous switching on and off to reduce burner power, allowing for power reduction without altering existing components, and utilizing a conventional shut-off valve and ignition apparatus for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the flow control valve is used to adjust burner power, then the burner power can be adjusted within the range of minimum to maximum capacity, but the burner power cannot be reduced below the minimum capacity inherent to the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by continuously switching the burner on and off in cyclic intervals. The control apparatus periodically opens and closes the shut-off valve, creating alternating periods of gas flow and no gas flow. This periodic switching enables the average burner power to be reduced below the minimum steady-state power, as the burner receives intermittent rather than continuous gas supply. The duty cycle of this periodic action determines the average power level achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static flow control approach to a dynamic switching approach. Instead of relying solely on the static flow control valve to adjust power, the system dynamically changes the gas flow state between open and closed positions. This dynamic switching allows the burner power to be modulated below the minimum steady-state capacity that would be achievable with the flow control valve alone.
2Power
If a second control apparatus is added to simulate continuous switching, then burner power can be reduced below minimum capacity, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the second control apparatus to interface with existing control components rather than requiring entirely new specialized components. The second control apparatus generates control signals that are processed by the existing first control apparatus, which in turn controls the standard shut-off valve and ignition apparatus. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve reduced power capability while reusing existing components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the second control apparatus as a mediator between the user input (control element) and the first control apparatus. The second control apparatus receives the control signal and transforms it into a simulated continuous switching signal that the first control apparatus can process. This intermediary layer enables the power reduction functionality without requiring fundamental changes to the existing control architecture, thus managing complexity.
3Power
If the burner is continuously ignited and extinguished to reduce average heat capacity, then power below minimum burner power is achieved, but the flame stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining the ignition apparatus in a continuously active state during the switching operation. While the gas flow is periodically interrupted to reduce average power, the ignition source remains continuously present, ensuring that the flame can be immediately re-established when gas flow resumes. This continuous ignition action prevents flame instability that would otherwise occur during the transition from extinguished to ignited state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the ignition apparatus in an active state before the gas flow is interrupted. The ignition system is prepared in advance to provide sparks or flames at the exact moment when gas flow is restored after a switching cycle. This preliminary preparation of the ignition state ensures smooth flame re-establishment and maintains flame stability despite the periodic gas flow interruption.
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 reduction of burner power below the minimal capacity using existing components, with the second control apparatus simulating continuous on/off states to control the burner, allowing for efficient power adjustment without requiring specialized components or a flame monitor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one signal transducer generating a signal depending on the position of the control element
Implementation Method 2
The signal of the flame monitor further specifies whether or not a flame is present on the burner
Implementation Method 3
The shut-off valve is spring-loaded in the closed position and can be electromagnetically opened against the spring force
Implementation Method 4
The ignition apparatus allows sparks to be generated in the region of the burner in order to ignite the gas escaping from the burner
Implementation Method 5
The flame monitor may be embodied as a thermoelement for instance, which generates an electrical voltage, while a flame is present on the burner
Data Source
AI summary
A control arrangement for a gas stove, wherein the control arrangement includes a gas burner; a control element to switch the gas burner on and off; a signal transducer to generate a first signal that depends on a position of the control element; a first control apparatus to control, depending on the first signal of the signal transducer, igniting or extinguishing a flame on the gas burner; and a second control apparatus that is arranged between the signal transducer and the first control apparatus. In at least one position of the control element, a second signal is fed to the first control apparatus that simulates continuous switching on and off of the gas burner.