Integrated Gas Burner Module for Safer Cooktop Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas burner modules for gas hobs are difficult to handle and manufacture as separate components, leading to potential assembly errors and suboptimal functionality, with existing solutions not ensuring maximum operational safety and efficient interaction between components.

Innovation Solution

A gas burner module with a structurally integrated gas burner, ignition and monitoring electrode, control electronics, and gas valve, designed as a quasi-complete unit for easy handling and assembly, featuring a direct gas connection to a gallery pipe via a fastening clamp and centering tube for secure, gas-tight installation, with control electronics connected to a gas cooktop control via an internal bus system for coordinated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate gas valves and controls are provided for each gas burner module, then each module can be controlled independently, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent control of each burner moduleVSAvoidNumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gas valve, control electronics, ignition electrode, and monitoring electrode into a single integrated burner module. This merging reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining independent control capability for each burner, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated burner module serves multiple functions simultaneously: gas flow control, ignition, flame monitoring, and electronic control all within one unit. This multi-functionality allows each burner to be independently controlled while reducing overall system complexity through component consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate gas burner modules are manufactured and assembled, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly errors may occur and functional optimization is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidAssembly accuracy and functional optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all essential components (gas valve, electronics, ignition, monitoring) into a single pre-assembled burner module, the invention ensures optimal functional relationships between components are established during manufacturing. This reduces assembly errors while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The burner module is pre-configured and pre-assembled as a complete functional unit before installation in the cooktop. This preliminary action ensures that all components are correctly positioned and connected, eliminating assembly errors that would occur with separate component installation while preserving manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a modular gas burner module is used, then ease of installation is improved, but ensuring gas-tight connections and proper assembly requires additional complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of installationVSAvoidConnection and assembly requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of gas valve, electronics, and burner components into a single module simplifies installation to connecting one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components. The module's internal connections are pre-established, reducing the complexity of ensuring gas-tight seals and proper electrical connections during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures optimal interaction and assembly of components for maximum operational safety and ease of manufacturing, allowing for efficient configuration and reliable operation of the gas burner module with reduced assembly errors.

Implementation Method 1

The gas valve can be actuated by means of a piezo bending beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2250439B1Gas burner module for a gas cooktop, and gas cooktop
Publication Date: 2013.12.11 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP2250439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2250439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2250439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gas burner module (11) for a gas cooktop (30), comprising a gas burner (13) having an ignition and monitoring electrode (24) and ignition and control electronics (27), a flame monitor (24), and a gas valve. A burner base (15) in the type of a pedestal is provided as the supporting element of the gas burner module (11). Said parts of the gas burner module (11) are combined into an assembly and are mechanically connected to each other such that they form an individually manageable unit.