Mechanical Pilot Shutoff Valve for Power-Free Griddle Gas Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing griddle systems require powered components for gas flow control, which can be unreliable and inconvenient, especially in situations where power is not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A non-powered mechanical thermocouple probe and pilot shutoff valve system that uses a bi-metal element to control gas flow to both pilot and main burners, allowing for manual ignition and automatic shut-off without the need for electrical power, utilizing a pilot shutoff valve biased to a default closed position and opened by a millivolt signal from the thermocouple probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powered solenoid valves and electrical components are used for gas flow control, then precise control of gas flow to pilot and main burners is achieved, but reliability deteriorates when electrical power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces powered solenoid valves with a non-powered mechanical thermocouple probe system. The bi-metal element mechanically responds to thermal energy from the pilot flame, automatically controlling the pilot shutoff valve without requiring electrical power. This mechanical substitution eliminates dependency on electrical components while maintaining reliable gas flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermocouple probe system is self-actuating through the heat from the pilot flame itself. The bi-metal element automatically bends in response to thermal energy, opening or closing the gas valve without external power sources. The system serves itself by using the pilot flame's thermal energy to control its own operation.
2Extent of automation
If multiple powered components (solenoid valves, thermostats, probes) are used for gas flow control, then automated temperature and flow regulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all powered components from the gas flow control system, retaining only the essential mechanical thermocouple probe and pilot shutoff valve. This extraction eliminates solenoid valves, electric thermostats, and powered probes, simplifying the system while preserving automated control functionality through pure mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pilot shutoff valve serves multiple functions: it controls gas flow to both the pilot burner and main burners, acts as a safety shut-off device, and provides automated temperature regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate powered components while maintaining comprehensive control.
3Reliability
If a non-powered mechanical thermocouple probe system is used, then reliability without electrical power is improved, but the ability to provide precise automated temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from electrical signal control to mechanical thermal response. The bi-metal element's physical bending in response to temperature changes provides sufficient control precision for cooking applications without requiring electrical measurement systems. This parameter change maintains adequate temperature control while eliminating power dependencies.
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
Enables reliable and manual control of gas flow to both pilot and main burners, ensuring safe operation without the need for powered components, with automatic shut-off when the pilot flame is extinguished, maintaining efficiency and safety in cooking processes.
Implementation Method 1
A non-powered mechanical thermocouple probe is located proximate the pilot burner and having a bi-metal element that produces an electrical signal when heated by flame from the pilot burner
Implementation Method 2
The pilot shutoff valve is biased to a default closed position in which gas is prevented from flowing both from the inlet to the pilot output and from the inlet to the main burner output
Implementation Method 3
A pilot burner is located intermediate the first gas burner and the second gas burner for facilitating ignition of the first and second gas burners
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking apparatus includes a housing and a cooking plate. Burners are located within the housing and below the cooking plate. A non-powered mechanical thermocouple probe is proximate to a pilot burner with a bi-metal element that produces an electrical signal when heated by the pilot burner. A pilot shutoff valve has an inlet connected to receive gaseous fuel from a gaseous fuel manifold, a pilot output connected to deliver gas to the pilot burner, a main burner output connected to deliver gas the burners, and a thermocouple probe input connected to receive the electrical signal produced by the bi-metal element. The pilot shutoff valve is biased to a default closed position where gas is prevented from flowing from the inlet to the pilot output and from the inlet to the main burner output. When the pilot shutoff valve is open, the pilot shut off valve permits gas to flow from the inlet to the pilot output and from the inlet to the main burner output.