Gas Valve Pulse Control for Flame Supervision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic devices for gas apparatuses, such as gas fireplaces and stoves, face issues with high energy consumption and limited autonomy due to the use of thermocouples for flame monitoring, leading to inefficient battery life and the risk of gas leaks during ignition and flame loss.
Innovation Solution
An automatic device with low-voltage, low-power consumption electrical management that dynamically controls valve means using pulse trains to regulate gas flow, incorporating a microprocessor for efficient ignition and flame supervision, and a spark circuit for pilot flame generation, allowing for quick anomaly detection and restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermocouple-based flame monitoring is used, then automatic flame supervision is achieved, but energy consumption increases and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical testing at predetermined time intervals to verify flame presence, replacing continuous thermocouple monitoring. This periodic verification approach significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliable flame supervision, as the system only activates the testing circuit intermittently rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the thermocouple-based mechanical/thermal monitoring system with an electrical testing system. Instead of relying on thermal conversion in a thermocouple, the system uses electrical circuits to detect flame presence through ionization or conductivity changes, achieving faster response and lower power consumption.
2Reliability
If thermocouple cooling period is required for gas shut-off, then automatic gas cutoff is achieved, but gas leakage risk increases during the delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of flame presence through electrical testing before initiating gas flow, and immediately detects flame loss through the same testing mechanism. This allows the system to shut off gas supply instantly upon detecting flame loss, eliminating the dangerous cooling delay inherent in thermocouple systems where gas continues to flow while the thermocouple cools down.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-based thermocouple shutdown mechanism with an electrical detection system that provides immediate response. The electrical testing circuit can detect flame loss and trigger gas cutoff without requiring any thermal cooling period, thereby eliminating the gas leakage risk associated with thermocouple response delays.
3Ease of operation
If manual flame maintenance action is required during ignition, then ignition control is achieved, but user safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic ignition and flame maintenance through electrical testing and control circuits. The system autonomously verifies flame presence at predetermined intervals and automatically adjusts gas flow accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention near the burner during the critical ignition phase. This self-service approach maintains full ignition control while removing users from hazardous proximity to the burner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical flame maintenance with an automated electrical control system. The electrical testing circuit continuously or periodically verifies flame presence and triggers appropriate responses, substituting the dangerous manual action with a safe, automated electrical-mechanical control loop that maintains ignition without requiring user proximity to the burner.
4Adaptability or versatility
If battery-based power supply is used for automatic devices, then portability is achieved, but autonomy is limited due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic electrical testing at predetermined time intervals instead of continuous monitoring, dramatically reducing the average power consumption of the battery-operated automatic device. By activating the testing circuit only intermittently rather than continuously, the system extends battery autonomy while maintaining effective flame supervision and control capabilities.
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
The solution provides efficient, safe, and automatic management of gas apparatuses with reduced energy consumption, extended battery life, and rapid response to anomalies, ensuring complete combustion of gas and minimizing the risk of leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a spark circuit suitable for generating a pilot flame upon receipt a start signal
Implementation Method 2
The thermocouple, heated by the flame of the burner, electromechanically monitors the permanent ignition state of the flame
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid (17, 18) to be dynamically polarised in relation to a duty cycle of said pulse train, said solenoid (17, 18) being connected to said first and second valve means (7)
Data Source
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AI summary
Automatic device (10) for the ignition and control of a gas apparatus (1) equipped with at least one burner (11,12) and with electrically controlled valve means (7) for regulating the flow of gas from a main pipe (28) towards a nozzle (8,13) associated with the burner (11,12); such an automatic device (10) being supplied by at least one supply voltage (VDC,VBB) provided by the electricity main (2) and/or by battery means (4), being coupled to a ground terminal (59) and comprising: - a spark circuit (80) suitable for generating a pilot flame upon receipt a start signal (Start); - an electrical microprocessor unit (5) to drive and to control both said valve means (7) and said spark circuit (80); - at least one actuator circuit activated by said electrical unit (5) through an activation signal having a pulse train to dynamically bias said valve means (7) and to regulate its charge state according to the duty cycle of the pulse train. The present invention also concerns a method for driving the automatic device for the ignition and control of a gas apparatus.