Mechanical Gas Valve Unit for Multi-Stage Burner Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve units for gas cooking appliances rely on complex electromagnetic actuation systems, which can be cumbersome and require electrical components, limiting their simplicity and user interface flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve unit with at least two on/off valves that can be actuated mechanically by moving a body relative to the valves, allowing for manual or electric actuation without electrical components, and featuring a multifunction control unit with a grip or rotary toggle for user interface flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromagnetic means are used to actuate each on/off valve individually, then the gas volumetric flow can be controlled in multiple stages with reproducible size, but the device complexity increases due to requiring multiple electromagnets and electronic control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple on/off valves into a single mechanical actuation system where one body with multiple activation regions controls multiple valves simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the number of separate electromagnets and electronic control components while maintaining the capability to control gas flow in multiple stages through different valve combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating body serves multiple functions by having different activation regions that can engage with different on/off valves. This universal actuator can control multiple valves with a single component, eliminating the need for individual electromagnets for each valve and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic actuation systems are used for each on/off valve, then precise gas flow control is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to requiring electrical components and complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuation systems with a purely mechanical actuation mechanism. The actuating body mechanically engages with activation regions of multiple valves through direct contact, eliminating the need for electromagnets, electrical wiring, and electronic control circuits. This mechanical substitution maintains precise gas flow control while significantly simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electromagnets are used to actuate on/off valves individually, then the gas valve unit can be precisely controlled, but the adaptability decreases when different user interfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuating body serves as an intermediary between the user interface and the on/off valves. Whether the user interface is mechanical (rotary toggle) or electrical (touch sensor with motor), the actuating body receives the actuation signal and mechanically transmits it to the valves. This intermediary approach allows the same valve unit to work with different user interfaces while maintaining precise gas flow control.
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 simplifies the gas valve unit by eliminating the need for electrical components, enabling both manual and electric actuation options, and allows for the creation of identical gas valve units with mechanical or electrical user interfaces, enhancing usability and production versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The on/off valves are pressed onto seals by one or a number of resilient components in one or more gas-tight chambers
Implementation Method 2
The respective body is configured as a carrier. The carrier is in particular embodied to raise the blocking body from the valve seat counter to the force of the closing spring by means of a force brought about by the carrier engaging in the activation region
Data Source
AI summary
A gas valve unit for setting a gas volumetric flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance includes a plurality of on/off valves which can be actuated mechanically by moving at least one body relative to the on/off valves. Each one of the on/off valves has an opening and a movable blocking body, which rests on a valve seat when the on/off valve is closed to thereby close off the opening.