Field-Configurable Pilot Burner Assembly for Universal Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pilot burner assemblies for gas-fired appliances require multiple bracket configurations to accommodate different appliances, leading to inventory management challenges and increased complexity in servicing various devices.
Innovation Solution
A field-configurable burner tube assembly that includes a pilot hood and burner tube with adjustable orientations, secured by a collar and retaining member, allowing for two or more different orientations in the field, and a dual mounting bracket system for versatile mounting to different gas-fired appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bracket configurations are used to accommodate different appliances, then the adaptability to various appliances is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with multiple mounting features that can accommodate different appliance types (ovens, ranges, cooktops) using a single universal bracket configuration. The bracket includes first and second mounting features that can be selectively used depending on the appliance type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bracket designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates adjustable elements including a movable arm with multiple mounting positions and rotatable components that can be configured in different orientations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same bracket to adapt to various appliance configurations without requiring multiple fixed designs.
2Ease of operation
If multiple bracket configurations are maintained in inventory, then the ability to service different appliances is improved, but the loss of time for inventory management and selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single universal bracket that can service multiple appliance types, the inventory is reduced to one bracket design rather than maintaining multiple specialized bracket configurations. This eliminates the time spent selecting and managing multiple bracket types in inventory while maintaining full service capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pilot hood is fixed in a single orientation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different appliance configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot hood assembly incorporates rotatable and adjustable components that allow reconfiguration in multiple orientations while maintaining precise alignment through indexed positioning features and adjustable mounting mechanisms. This enables the same precisely-manufactured components to adapt to different appliance layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The burner tube assembly is divided into separable components (pilot hood, burner tube, bracket) that can be independently positioned and assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows precise manufacturing of each component while providing flexibility in final assembly orientation.
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 a single universal burner tube assembly to service various appliances, reducing inventory needs and simplifying maintenance by allowing adjustable alignment and orientation of components, thereby improving operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric device for detecting flame
Implementation Method 2
a friction element secured to the burner tube. The friction element may be positioned such that it frictionally engages the pilot hood
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot tube assembly for easy repair and/or replacement of a pilot hood is disclosed. In one example, a field configurable burner tube assembly may include a burner tube, a pilot hood, wherein the pilot hood engages the burner tube and can be secured to the burner tube in any of two or more different orientations in the field, a thermo-electric device, and a bracket for carrying the pilot hood and burner tube assembly adjacent to the thermoelectric device.