Gas valve unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve units for gas cooking appliances are complex in design due to the use of multiple electromagnetically actuated on/off valves, requiring electrical components for control.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve unit with at least three on/off valves that are mechanically actuated by moving a body relative to the valves, allowing for manual or electric actuation without electrical components, enabling both mechanical and electrical user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnets are used to actuate each on-off valve individually, then reliable control of gas flow is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple on-off valves are mechanically coupled to a single actuating body (cam or lever) that can simultaneously control all valves through one mechanical motion. This merging of actuation mechanisms eliminates the need for multiple independent electromagnets and electrical control circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable control through the mechanical linkage that ensures synchronized valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating body serves multiple functions by being able to open or close different combinations of on-off valves depending on its position. One mechanical component performs the work of multiple electromagnets, providing universal control capability across all gas flow stages without requiring separate electrical actuators for each valve.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple electromagnets and electrical control units are used, then precise gas flow control in several stages is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical actuation systems (electromagnets and control units) with a purely mechanical actuation system using a cam or lever body. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple electrical components, sensors, and control circuits, while the mechanical geometry of the cam profile or lever positions ensures precise gas flow control through deterministic mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating body is designed with specific geometric parameters (cam profile shape, lever arm lengths, pivot positions) that directly determine the opening timing and degree of each valve. By adjusting these mechanical parameters during manufacturing, precise control over multiple gas flow stages is achieved without complex electrical control systems, making the device easier to manufacture and calibrate.
3Extent of automation
If electrical components are used for valve actuation, then automation capability is improved, but adaptability decreases due to limited interface options
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuating body can be operated through multiple different interfaces depending on the application requirements. The same mechanical valve mechanism can be actuated by manual rotation of a cam, by a simple electric motor, by a pneumatic actuator, or by any other device that can produce the required rotational or linear motion. This universality provides high adaptability to different automation levels and control systems without changing the core valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical actuating body serves as an intermediary between various possible control systems and the on-off valves. Whether the input is manual rotation, electric motor rotation, or pneumatic actuation, the intermediary mechanical body converts these different input forms into the required valve actuation motion, thereby providing adaptability across different automation scenarios while maintaining a consistent valve control mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas valve unit for setting a gas volumetric flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, wherein the gas valve unit has at least two on/off valves, wherein the at least two on/off valves can be actuated mechanically by moving at least one body relative to the on/off valves.