Multiple Gas Pilot Burner with Selector Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pilot burners for household heating appliances, especially non-ventilated ones, face issues with poor combustion and carbon monoxide generation due to low oxygen levels, requiring multiple components for dual gas systems which increases space and cost requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact pilot burner design using a single injector, igniter, and thermocouple that can handle multiple combustible fluids, such as natural gas and propane, with a selector valve to choose the fuel type, reducing the number of components and optimizing space and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single pilot burner with a single injector, igniter, and thermocouple is used for multiple combustible fluids, then the space required and cost are reduced, but the device must handle different fuel types which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single pilot burner system that can handle multiple combustible fluids (natural gas and propane) by using a universal injector design with adjustable orifices and a selector valve mechanism. This allows one device to perform multiple functions - accommodating different fuel types without requiring separate burners for each gas type, thereby reducing space and component quantity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a dynamic configuration capability through a selector valve that can switch between different fuel supply lines, and an injector with adjustable parameters (orifice size, mixing ratios) that can be modified depending on the combustible fluid being used. This dynamic adaptability allows the single burner to optimize its performance for different gas types without requiring duplicate fixed components
2Reliability
If duplicate components are used for each combustible fluid type, then reliability for each fuel is ensured, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal safety thermocouple and igniter system that works reliably with both natural gas and propane. The single thermocouple is positioned to detect the pilot flame regardless of fuel type, and the igniter is configured to produce sparks suitable for igniting either combustible fluid. This universal approach maintains safety reliability while eliminating the need for duplicate safety components for each fuel type
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains reliability across different fuel types by allowing parameter adjustments in the injector (such as orifice diameter, air-to-fuel mixing ratios, and pressure settings) depending on which combustible fluid is being used. These parameter changes enable the single component system to achieve optimal and safe combustion performance for both natural gas and propane without requiring duplicate components
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
This design ensures efficient combustion across varying oxygen levels, reduces the need for duplicate components, and minimizes space and costs while maintaining safety by automatically switching off when oxygen levels fall below safety limits.
Implementation Method 1
a pilot flame that heats the thermocouple
Implementation Method 2
a safety thermocouple that generates an electrical current when heated by a pilot flame
Implementation Method 3
an injector that comprises a mixing chamber where air is mixed with the combustible fluid
Implementation Method 4
a spark generator that causes the ignition of the combustible fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple gas pilot burner assembly for a household heating appliance. The pilot burner includes an injector having a first conduit for receiving a flow of a first combustible fluid, a second conduit for receiving a flow of a second combustible fluid and a third conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the first and second conduits which is configured to receive the flow of the first combustible fluid from the first conduit or the flow of the second combustible fluid from the second conduit. A single nozzle at the outlet of the third conduit is provided for supplying a pilot flame. The assembly also includes a single flame igniter positioned to cause an ignition of the pilot flame at the nozzle and also a single thermocouple positioned to be heated by the pilot flame and to generate an electrical current when heated.