Illuminated Control Selectors for Flexible Gas Burner Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital gas cooking appliances, the need for a dedicated control knob or selector for each burner is not necessary, as digital gas systems allow for flexible positioning and configuration of control selectors, which can be assigned to operate multiple burners with minimal operator input, enhancing safety and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system with configurable control selectors that include illuminated displays to indicate assigned burners, allowing users to assign or reassign control through a user interface, and are electrically coupled to a processor to control digital gas valves, enabling safe and efficient operation of multiple burners with a single control selector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated control knob is assigned to each burner, then each burner can be controlled independently, but the number of control knobs increases and the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single control knob is designed to control multiple burners through software configuration rather than physical connection. The control knob serves as a universal interface that can be assigned to different burners via a microcontroller, eliminating the need for dedicated physical connections for each burner while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coupling between control knobs and burners with an electrical/software-based system. A microcontroller receives signals from the control knob and translates them into appropriate valve control signals for different burners, substituting mechanical direct-connectivity with electronic mediation.
2Reliability
If control knobs are physically coupled to valves, then direct mechanical control is achieved, but the control knobs must be mounted proximate to the valves they control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling between control knobs and valves with an electrical signal transmission system. The control knob connects to a microcontroller that sends electrical signals to control the valves, eliminating the need for physical proximity or mechanical connection while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller serves as an intermediary between the control knob and the valves. It receives input from the control knob, processes the signal, and outputs appropriate control signals to the valves, allowing the control knob to be positioned independently from the valves while maintaining reliable control through electronic mediation.
3Device complexity
If multiple burners are controlled by a single selector, then the number of control selectors decreases, but it becomes difficult to indicate which burner is currently selected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LED indicators that can change color or illumination state to indicate which burner is currently selected or active. Different burners are represented by different colored or positioned LED indicators, providing clear visual feedback to the user about the current selection without requiring additional physical indicators on each control knob.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller acts as an intermediary that manages the indication system. It receives selection information from the control knob and activates the appropriate LED indicators to show which burner is selected, translating the control state into clear visual information without requiring physical modifications to the control knobs themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling an appliance having a plurality of gas cooktop burners operated by a plurality of digital gas valves includes a plurality of control selectors that include illuminated displays on faces thereof for indicating to which gas cooktop burner each control selector is assigned.