Magnetically Secured Burner Cap for Gas Cooktop Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loosely fitting burner caps in gas burners can be easily dislodged by user contact or external forces, leading to inefficient gas flow, uneven flame formation, and potential damage to the cooktop or range.
Innovation Solution
A burner cap is magnetically secured to a burner body using riser pins with magnetic and ferrous materials, ensuring stable positioning even under jarring forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the burner cap fits loosely on the burner body, then it is easy to install and remove, but it can be easily dislodged by user contact or external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical loose-fit connection with a magnetic field-based securing mechanism. Magnets embedded in the burner body interact with ferromagnetic material in the burner cap to provide holding force, eliminating the need for tight mechanical interference fits while preventing accidental dislodgement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the connection from purely mechanical contact to a combination of mechanical support and magnetic attraction. By introducing magnetic field strength as a new parameter, the system achieves stable positioning without requiring tight mechanical constraints that would complicate installation.
2Reliability
If the burner cap is tightly secured to the burner body, then it prevents dislodgement, but it complicates installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical securing mechanisms (such as threads, clips, or interference fits) with a simpler magnetic attraction system. The magnets in the burner body automatically hold the burner cap in place during use, yet allow easy manual removal when needed, simplifying the installation and removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic securing system provides dynamic holding strength that is sufficient during normal operation but can be easily overcome by deliberate user action for installation and removal. This creates an optimal balance between operational stability and ease of maintenance.
3Temperature
If the burner cap is loosely fitting, then it allows for thermal expansion, but it causes unwanted noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary force between the burner body and burner cap, providing gentle yet effective holding that prevents rattling and damage while allowing for thermal expansion. The magnetic attraction is strong enough to prevent accidental dislodgement and noise but flexible enough to accommodate dimensional changes during heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field strength as a controllable parameter that can accommodate thermal expansion. The magnetic force provides consistent holding that adapts to the changing dimensions of the components during heating, maintaining secure positioning without causing stress or damage.
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 magnetic securing mechanism maintains the burner cap's position, enhancing burner efficiency and preventing damage, while maintaining gas flow profiles unchanged.
Implementation Method 1
One of the riser pin and the pin receiving area comprises a magnet, and the other of the riser pin and the pin receiving area comprises a ferrous material
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic gas cooking appliance for heating a food item is provided. The domestic cooking appliance includes a top sheet; a burner body on the top sheet, the burner body having an upwardly extending riser pin; a gas supply line that supplies gas to the burner body; and a burner cap positioned above the burner body and resting on the riser pin such that a pin receiving area contacts the riser pin. One of the riser pin and the pin receiving area comprises a magnet, and the other of the riser pin and the pin receiving area comprises a ferrous material.