Gas Valve Bracket Design for Cooktop Ignition Switch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting gas valves in cooktop appliances is problematic, particularly when servicing the ignition switch, as it requires removing the valve from the fuel manifold, which is time-consuming and necessitates specific tools, making access difficult for technicians.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a top and bottom bracket portion with a mounting flange attached to the control panel, allowing the gas valve to be securely mounted to the fuel supply line with snap-fit connections and fasteners, enabling easy access and servicing of the ignition switch without removing the valve from the manifold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gas valve is directly mounted to the fuel manifold in known cooktop appliances, then the valve is securely fixed, but the ignition switch becomes difficult to access and requires removal of the valve from the manifold for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into a bracket assembly that includes a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion. The first bracket portion is attached to the control panel while the second bracket portion engages with the gas valve. This segmentation allows the ignition switch to be accessed by manipulating the bracket portions independently rather than removing the entire valve assembly from the manifold.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly serves as an intermediary component between the control panel and the gas valve. It provides a mounting interface that allows the valve to remain connected to the fuel manifold while enabling access to the ignition switch through the bracket structure itself, eliminating the need for complete valve removal.
2Ease of repair
If the gas valve is removed from the fuel manifold to access the ignition switch, then servicing becomes possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires specific tools
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into separable portions that can be independently manipulated. The first bracket portion remains attached to the control panel while the second bracket portion can be detached or repositioned to expose the ignition switch, allowing servicing without removing the valve from the manifold and significantly reducing service time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the second bracket portion to be moved or detached from the gas valve body. This dynamic mounting approach enables the ignition switch to be accessed by simply manipulating the bracket rather than performing a complete valve removal, making the servicing process faster and requiring fewer specialized tools.
3Reliability
If a secure mounting structure is used to fix the gas valve, then the valve remains stable, but access to the ignition switch and other components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into multiple portions with different functions. The first bracket portion provides stable mounting to the control panel, while the second bracket portion provides a removable or movable connection to the gas valve. This segmentation maintains overall stability while enabling access to the ignition switch through the second bracket portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly acts as an intermediary that decouples the mounting stability function from the valve access function. The first bracket portion ensures stable mounting to the control panel, while the second bracket portion serves as a mediator that can be manipulated to access the ignition switch without compromising the overall mounting stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas cooktop appliance includes a control panel and a fuel supply line. A gas valve is positioned on the fuel supply line. A bracket includes a top bracket portion extending over a top of the fuel supply line. A bottom bracket portion extends under a bottom of the fuel supply line. The bottom bracket portion is mounted to the top bracket portion. A mounting flange is connected to one or both of the top and bottom bracket portions. The mounting flange is positioned at and attached to a rear surface of the control panel that faces the fuel supply line and the gas valve.