Gas valve unit having two gas outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve units for twin-circuit gas burners lack precision and reproducibility in setting desired thermal outputs, as they typically have a single actuation element that either opens both rings fully or closes them completely, failing to allow independent control of gas flow to each ring.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve unit with multiple-stage control, utilizing at least two open/close valves and throttle points for each gas outlet, and magnetically active bodies to synchronize the opening and closing of valves, allowing precise and reproducible setting of gas volumetric flows, ensuring that both rings can be set to maximum output simultaneously for reliable ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuation element is used to control both gas outlets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of setting desired thermal outputs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuation element is segmented into two separate actuation elements, each independently controlling one gas outlet. This allows precise independent adjustment of gas flow to each ring, enabling accurate setting of desired thermal outputs while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
2Ease of manufacture
If a plug valve with single actuation element is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reproducibility of thermal output settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug valve is segmented into two separate valve units, each with its own actuation element and throttle point. This segmentation enables each valve to be independently adjusted and calibrated, improving the reproducibility of thermal output settings while allowing each unit to be manufactured using standard valve manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If gas flow to both rings is opened simultaneously, then the ignition reliability is improved, but the ability to control minimum thermal output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow control is segmented into two independent channels, allowing the user to first open both rings for reliable ignition, then independently reduce the gas flow to each ring. This enables precise control of minimum thermal output by adjusting each ring's gas flow separately, while maintaining the option to open both simultaneously for ignition.
4Measurement precision
If multiple open/close valves and throttle points are used for each gas outlet, then the precision of gas flow setting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-valve mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified design using only one open/close valve and one throttle point per gas outlet. The precision of gas flow setting is achieved through the throttle point's ability to restrict flow, combined with the binary open/close state, eliminating the need for multiple valves while maintaining adequate control precision.
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 precise and reproducible setting of thermal outputs, ensuring quick gas filling and reliable ignition by allowing independent control of gas flow to each ring, preventing the outer ring from burning alone while the inner ring is not supplied, and maintaining continuous gas flow during switching.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing at least two open/close valves and throttle points for each gas outlet, and magnetically active bodies to synchronize the opening and closing of valves
Data Source
AI summary
A gas valve unit for setting a gas volumetric flow to a twin-circuit gas burner of a gas appliance includes a valve body having a gas inlet and two gas outlets, and a control mechanism for adjusting the gas volumetric flow to at least one of the gas outlets in a multiple-stage manner. The control mechanism has a zero position in which the gas volumetric flow to the gas outlets is interrupted, and a switching position which is adjacent to the zero position and in which the gas volumetric flow is set to a maximum value.