Modular Gas Appliance Control Device with Wireless Timer Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas tap control devices for managing appliances with gas burners are complex, cumbersome, and costly to produce, making them inconvenient to install and use, especially when multiple timers are required.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a modular design that separates low-voltage control circuitry into distinct modules, including a power-supply module, communication module, and control module, allowing for wireless communication with a remote programming device for setting time intervals, reducing the need for mechanical knobs and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical timer device with knob and circuit components is directly coupled to gas tap, then timing function is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical timer knob and associated mechanical-circuit coupling with a wireless communication system. The programming device communicates timing parameters wirelessly to the control module, eliminating mechanical knobs, potentiometric sensors, and complex circuit housing. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining timing control reliability through electronic wireless communication and digital processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timer devices are installed for multiple gas taps, then each burner can be controlled independently, but installation difficulty and overall complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control module that can manage multiple gas taps and burners through a single device. The control module receives wireless programming from a programming device and distributes timing control signals to multiple electromagnets corresponding to different gas taps. This multi-functional approach enables independent control of multiple burners without requiring separate timer devices for each tap, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining adaptability.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact timer device is integrated into gas tap structure, then space is saved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional modules: a control module with electronics, a power-supply module, and a separate programming device. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying production and assembly. The control module can be installed in a compact manner within the gas appliance structure, while the programming device remains external, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite maintaining space efficiency.
4Device complexity
If wireless communication and modular design are implemented, then device simplicity and ease of assembly improve, but production cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical timer mechanisms with wireless communication technology. The programming device transmits timing parameters wirelessly to the control module, eliminating the need for mechanical knobs, shafts, potentiometric sensors, and associated circuit housing. Although wireless communication components have their own cost, the elimination of mechanical parts, reduced assembly steps, and simplified manufacturing processes overall reduce production complexity and can lower costs through standardized electronic components and mass production capabilities.
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 modular design results in a control device that is simpler, more reliable, cost-effective, and easier to assemble, with reduced dimensions and improved convenience, facilitating the management of gas appliances with enhanced reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnet is supplied via a thermoelectric generator, typically constituted by a thermocouple connected to a corresponding electrical connector of the tap body. When the burner is lit, the sensitive part of the thermocouple generates an electromotive force (e.m.f.) in response to the heat generated by the flame to the burner
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnet is supplied via a thermoelectric generator... which determines a current that supplies the electromagnet of the safety valve such as to keep the open/close element of the latter (associated to a movable core attracted by the electromagnet) in the respective open condition
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for gas appliances comprises a circuit arrangement that includes: —a switching circuit, electrically connected between an electromagnet and a thermoelectric generator of a safety valve of a gas tap; —a control circuit (71), designed at least for counting time and configured for controlling the switching circuit; —a command circuit, connected in signal communication with the control circuit (71) at least for the purposes of setting the aforesaid time interval. The circuit arrangement comprises a power-supply module (50), for low-voltage d.c. supply, and the switching circuit belongs to a control module (40) which is designed to be operatively associated to a respective gas tap. The control circuit belongs to a second control module (60) that comprises a wireless-communication circuit, in particular a transceiver circuit, electrically connected to the control circuit (71) and configured for exchange of signals in wireless mode with a remote electronic programming device, which can be used at least for manual setting of the aforesaid time interval.