Grooved Burner Cap and Stability Chamber for Flame Re-Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas burners on cooktops face instability due to airflow disturbances, leading to flame extinction, particularly in sealed arrangements where pressure changes cause the flame to be drawn towards the burner head, and rapid fuel supply adjustments can result in flame extinction due to imbalances in the fuel/air ratio.
Innovation Solution
A gas burner assembly with a stability chamber and a burner cap featuring an annular groove for proper positioning, which includes a recessed center portion and gas blocking projections to prevent excessive fuel flow into the stability chamber, ensuring stable flame operation without interfering with the stability chamber's function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an annular groove is formed in the burner cap to position it on the burner body, then the cap positioning is improved, but the stability chamber function is impaired due to excessive fuel flow into the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is segmented by introducing gas blocking projections that divide the continuous groove into separate sections. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled fuel flow into the stability chamber while preserving the groove's cap positioning function. The projections create discrete fuel flow paths that can be controlled to prevent excessive fuel entry into the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas blocking projections are introduced as intermediary elements between the annular groove and the stability chamber. These projections act as mediators that allow the groove to perform its positioning function while blocking excessive fuel flow into the chamber. The projections are strategically positioned to intercept fuel flow before it enters the stability chamber through the groove.
2Ease of operation
If the groove overlaps with gas inlet ports on the baffles, then cap positioning is achieved, but flashback of the flame into the burner occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Gas blocking projections serve as intermediary barriers between the annular groove and the gas inlet ports on the baffles. These projections prevent direct communication between the groove and the ports, blocking the flashback path while allowing the groove to maintain its cap positioning function. The projections are positioned to intercept potential flashback flames before they can travel through the groove to the gas inlet ports.
3Productivity
If rapid fuel supply adjustments are made from high to low burner input rate, then fuel efficiency is improved, but flame extinction occurs due to momentum of entrained air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The stability chamber is designed to maintain a simmer flame that serves as a preliminary ignition source ready in advance. When rapid fuel supply adjustments cause the main flame to become unstable or extinguish, the pre-maintained simmer flame in the stability chamber can immediately relight the primary burner ports, preventing complete flame extinction. This preliminary action ensures continuous combustion during transient fuel supply changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pressure changes occur due to rapid oven door manipulation, then oven operation is enabled, but flame stability is compromised due to large airflow through the burner
Solution Approach 1:
The stability chamber with its simmer flame and baffle structure converts the harmful effect of pressure changes and airflow disturbances into a beneficial feature. The chamber design allows it to withstand pressure changes while maintaining a stable simmer flame. The baffle structure redirects airflow to protect the flame, and the simmer flame acts as a buffer that absorbs the effects of pressure fluctuations, maintaining overall flame stability during oven door manipulation.
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 maintains stable flame operation at both low and high settings, preventing flame extinction by providing a re-ignition source and controlling gas flow into the stability chamber, ensuring proper burner cap placement without adding complexity or expense.
Implementation Method 1
The stability chamber is defined by a pair of radially extending baffles positioned in an opposing manner from each other along the circumferential direction, an upper surface of the burner body, and the cap. At least one stability chamber gas inlet is defined by the annular groove in the cap and a top surface of one the baffles.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of primary burner ports are positioned along the annular sidewall of the burner body, surround the gas outlet, and are in fluid communication with the main gas conduit through the gas outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas burner assembly for an appliance is provided. The gas burner has a gas stability chamber for providing a re-ignition source to primary burner ports positioned around the burner. A burner cap is provided with an annular groove for properly positioning the cap onto the burner.