Permanent-Magnet Gas Valve Unit for Low-Complexity Burner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve units for gas cooking appliances are complex in design due to the need for multiple electromagnets and electronic control units for actuating on/off valves, which can complicate manufacturing and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve unit utilizing permanent magnets that can be manually or electrically actuated to control on/off valves, eliminating the need for electrical components by using a rotatable component with magnetically active bodies to open or close valves, allowing for both mechanical and electrical user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electromagnets and electronic control units are used to actuate on/off valves, then reliable gas flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnets and electronic control units with a purely mechanical actuation system. A rotatable member with cam surfaces mechanically actuates the on/off valves through direct contact, eliminating all electrical components while maintaining reliable gas flow control through multiple valve stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple valve control functions into a single rotatable member. By integrating cam surfaces for multiple valves on one rotating component, the system reduces the number of separate actuators and simplifies the overall control mechanism while maintaining independent control of each valve.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnets are used for each on/off valve, then precise valve actuation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuators with a mechanical cam-based system that provides precise valve actuation through geometric cam profiles. This mechanical approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to produce and assemble multiple electromagnets and electronic control units, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining actuation precision.
3Device complexity
If permanent magnets are moved manually, then electrical components are eliminated, but ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable member that dynamically changes the position of permanent magnets relative to valve shut-off bodies during rotation. This dynamic movement allows the magnets to engage and disengage valves in sequence, providing a smooth and efficient manual actuation process that reduces operational effort compared to static magnet arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable member as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the permanent magnets. This intermediary component translates rotational motion into precise linear displacement of the magnets, making manual operation easier and more controlled while eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the magnets themselves.
4Measurement precision
If multiple on/off valves are used for gas flow control, then gas flow precision is improved, but frictional losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuation with a mechanical cam system that directly opens and closes valve shut-off bodies. This mechanical approach minimizes frictional losses by using direct contact actuation without the additional friction from electromagnetic coil resistance and electrical contact wear, while still achieving precise gas flow control through multiple valve stages.
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
Simplifies the design and operation of gas valve units by enabling manual or electrical actuation without electrical components, providing reproducible gas flow control with haptic feedback and reduced frictional losses, suitable for various gas types including liquid gas.
Implementation Method 1
The open-close valves can be controlled with the help of permanent magnets
Implementation Method 2
whose magnetic attraction then acts depending on the position of the respective magnetically active body between the magnetically active body and the respective permanent magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, especially a gas cooking appliance. The gas valve unit has at least two two-position valves that can be actuated by moving two magnetically active bodies, especially permanent magnets, in relation to the two-position valves.