Multi-Outlet Gas Valve With Synchronized Flow and Low-Power Coils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas valves for multiple burner fireplaces require complex structures and high power consumption due to independent regulating mechanisms, which complicate synchronization of gas flow across outlets.

Innovation Solution

A multi-outlet channel combination gas valve with a solenoid valve and flow regulating mechanism that synchronizes gas flow across multiple outlets using a dual-coil electromagnet structure and adjustable low-level regulating plugs, reducing power consumption by managing current usage during opening and closing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple sets of independent regulating mechanisms are used to control each gas outlet, then the gas flow of each outlet can be regulated independently, but the structure becomes more complicated and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent gas flow regulation of each outletVSAvoidStructure complexity and number of driving components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent regulating mechanisms into a single flow regulating mechanism that controls all gas outlets simultaneously. The valve body includes a gas inlet and multiple gas outlets with a unified regulating structure that manages gas flow to all outlets through one coordinated system rather than separate mechanisms for each outlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow regulating mechanism is designed as a universal component that performs the regulation function for all gas outlets. This single mechanism can adjust the gas flow distribution to multiple burners simultaneously, making it a multi-functional device that replaces multiple specialized regulators.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple sets of independent regulating mechanisms are used to control each gas outlet, then precise gas flow control is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGas flow regulation precisionVSAvoidPower consumption of driving components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple regulating mechanisms into one flow regulating mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of driving components. This single mechanism can precisely control gas flow to multiple outlets simultaneously, reducing power consumption compared to running multiple independent motors or actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid valve uses periodic electromagnetic action to control gas flow. The dual-coil structure enables the valve to switch between opening and closing states efficiently, consuming power only during state transitions rather than continuous operation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If a program setting is used to control synchronization of regulating multiple gas outlets, then synchronized gas flow regulation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSynchronized gas flow regulation of multiple outletsVSAvoidControl system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves synchronized regulation by merging all outlet control functions into a single flow regulating mechanism. This unified structure inherently synchronizes gas flow regulation across all outlets through its design, eliminating the need for separate program-controlled mechanisms for each outlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow regulating mechanism is designed to automatically synchronize gas flow distribution to multiple outlets through its inherent mechanical structure. The single regulating component naturally coordinates gas flow to all burners simultaneously without requiring external program control or complex synchronization systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent regulating mechanisms are used, then each gas outlet can be controlled independently, but the number of driving components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent control capability of each outletVSAvoidNumber of driving components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent control functions into a single flow regulating mechanism that can still provide independent adjustment capability for each gas outlet. The unified mechanism incorporates multiple adjustment features or zones within one structure, allowing independent control of each outlet while using only one driving component.

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

The solution simplifies the structure and reduces power consumption while ensuring synchronized gas regulation across multiple burners, making it suitable for most gas fireplaces.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid valve and a flow regulating mechanism... the solenoid valve has a gasket installed thereto and coordinated with the valve sealing opening, so that the opening and closing of the gas intake of the gasket and the valve sealing opening can be controlled by the opening, closing, and pull-in of the solenoid valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

reducing power consumption by managing current usage during opening and closing... dual-coil electromagnet structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force with dual-coil structure: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3726137B1Multi-outlet channel combination gas valve
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 NINGBO RICHEN ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD
  • EP3726137B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3726137B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3726137B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A multi-outlet channel combination gas valve includes a valve body (1), a solenoid valve and a flow regulating mechanism (5). The valve body (1) has a multiple of air outlets, at least two outlet channels formed between each air outlet and an air inlet (11) of the valve body (1), a regulating port disposed in the at least two outlet channels, and the flow regulating mechanism (5) can regulate the gas flow passing through each regulating port of the valve body at the same time, and a solenoid valve with a dual-coil electromagnet structure. When the valve is opened, a relatively larger current is passed, and then a very small current will be provided thereafter to maintain an operation by low power consumption. Therefore, this gas valve can be used without a mains power, and a low-level regulating structure is provided for presetting a low-level flow of each air outlet.