Smart device for gas range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas range appliances lack effective control mechanisms that can accurately measure gas mass flow and thermal values, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to variations in gas properties, and they are not easily controllable remotely for residential or commercial use.
Innovation Solution
A device integrated with a silicon mass flow sensor and a thermal value metering system, coupled with an electrically controllable on/off valve, which can interface with mobile devices for remote management and safety features, including leakage detection and automatic shut-off, ensuring accurate gas control regardless of gas properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If volumetric gas control technology is used in existing gas range appliances, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision of gas mass flow and thermal values deteriorates, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to variations in gas properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (mass flow sensing, thermal conductivity detection, pressure sensing) into an integrated control device that interfaces with the gas supply system. This merging of functions allows accurate measurement of gas mass flow and thermal values while maintaining a unified, manageable device structure rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical volumetric control mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems. Specifically, it uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and electronic control valves to substitute mechanical flow measurement and control, enabling precise mass flow and thermal value measurement while providing electronic interfaces for remote control and monitoring.
2Extent of automation
If traditional mechanical manual valves are used for gas flow adjustment, then the ease of operation is maintained through simple mechanical adjustment, but the extent of automation deteriorates, preventing remote control and monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs automatic self-regulation of gas flow based on sensed conditions (mass flow rate, thermal conductivity, pressure) without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system autonomously maintains desired operating parameters by adjusting the electrically controllable valve based on sensor feedback, enabling automated safety monitoring and leak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary control system between the user and the gas supply. This intermediary includes wireless communication modules that mediate between remote mobile devices and the local gas control valve, enabling remote operation while maintaining simple user interaction through mobile interfaces rather than complex local controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If constant volume gas supply control is implemented, then the ease of manufacture is improved using standard volumetric technology, but the adaptability to varying gas properties deteriorates, causing inaccurate control when gas thermal value varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of gas flow based on real-time sensing of gas properties. Rather than fixed volumetric delivery, the system continuously adjusts the electrically controllable valve position based on feedback from mass flow sensors and thermal conductivity sensors, enabling adaptive response to variations in gas composition, pressure, and temperature while maintaining accurate mass flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device actively monitors and responds to changes in gas parameters (mass flow rate, thermal conductivity, pressure) by adjusting control valve position. The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on sensed conditions, allowing adaptation to different gas types and supply conditions while maintaining precise control through electronic regulation rather than fixed mechanical settings.
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 provides enhanced safety and efficiency by accurately measuring and controlling gas flow and thermal values, preventing overheating, gas leakage, and overcooking, while allowing remote management and automatic shut-off, making it suitable for various gas supplies and pipelines.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element of the device shall also be capable of metering or monitoring the gas leakage or a constant flow at a preset level
Implementation Method 2
the invention relates to the smart gas range appliance that shall be equipped with electronic sensing element and can be remotely controlled by a mobile device. This invention is specifically for residential or commercial kitchen range that is operated with gas fuel. This invention is further related to micromachined silicon sensors or Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mass flow and gas sensing technology that measures the quality and quantity of gases.
Implementation Method 3
The desired device with control features by integrated with both a sensor having the mass flow sensing and gas thermal value metering and an electrically controllable on/off valve.
Data Source
AI summary
The design and assembly of a smart device constituent of a micro-machined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mass flow sensor and an electrically controllable valve for applications in safety enhancement and intermit connectivity for residential or commercial gas range is disclosed in the present invention. The said smart device detects the gas flow at the unattended situations and sends information to the destined mobile devices of the users via the network such that it enables the users to remotely execute actions of either shutting off the gas supply or call for relevant party's immediate attention. The said smart device shall also automatically shut off the gas supply should the transmitted signal to users failed to send feedback signal such that it can prevent the safety incidents due to leakage or overheating or even fires. The capability of the MEMS mass flow sensor shall also provide the thermal value measurement of the supplied gases and enable the user to program the gas range for making complete tasks of cooking substances in the unattended situation.