Thermocouple Assembly Solid-State Circuit Breaker Gas Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermocouple-magnet systems for domestic gas systems face issues with high series resistance due to large cable sections and limited flexibility, leading to performance degradation and difficulties in interfacing with safety and control devices, especially due to the low voltage and high current requirements.
Innovation Solution
A thermocouple assembly incorporating a solid-state circuit breaker housed in a plastic box, with connections optimized to reduce resistance, allowing for control based on flame presence, duration, and power levels, using MOS transistors to manage the electromagnetic member for valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large cable sections are used to reduce series resistance, then the thermocouple system performance is improved, but the device complexity and installation flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single-connector thermocouple system into two separate connectors (first connector and second connector) that can be independently attached to different structural parts. This segmentation allows the thermocouple wires to be routed through a channel formed between these connectors, reducing the need for large external cables while maintaining low series resistance through optimized internal wiring paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the thermocouple wire routing channel within the structure formed by the two connectors. The channel is formed between the first and second connectors, effectively hiding the wiring path within the assembly itself rather than requiring external cable runs. This nesting approach reduces the visible complexity and size of cable connections while maintaining electrical performance.
2Reliability
If cable length is restricted to reduce series resistance, then the thermocouple system performance is improved, but the adaptability and ease of installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connection points into two independent connectors that can be attached to different structural parts, the system gains flexibility in positioning. The thermocouple can be routed through the channel between these connectors, allowing adaptation to various installation geometries without extending external cable lengths, thus maintaining low series resistance while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space between the two connectors by forming a channel that routes the thermocouple wire through this intermediate space. This dimensional approach allows the wire path to be optimized within the assembly structure itself, eliminating the need for long external cables and providing installation flexibility across different spatial configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expensive switches or relays with golden contacts are used to interface with thermocouple-magnet system, then the interfacing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from traditional expensive components (switches, relays, golden contacts) and integrates it directly into the connector structure. The first and second connectors provide direct electrical pathways through their internal structure and channel, eliminating the need for separate expensive interfacing components while maintaining reliable electrical connections for safety and control device integration.
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 solution minimizes series resistance, enhances system performance, and allows for reliable safety control of gas burners by integrating the thermocouple with electronic devices, improving independence from electric signal performance and extending system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor operating in accordance with the thermoelectric effect and having an output controlling an electromagnetic member driving a cut-off of a valve opening/closing the gas passage to a user
Implementation Method 2
having an output controlling an electromagnetic member driving a cut-off of a valve opening/closing the gas passage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Thermocouple assembly comprising a temperature sensor operating in accordance with the thermoelectric effect and having an output directly or indirectly controlling an electromagnetic member driving a cut-off opening/closing the gas passage to a user, which output is connected to the temperature sensor through at least one conductor, being further characterized in that a generator of a supply signal of said electromagnetic member for switching the latter to the open condition for the gas passage to the user is provided, which is connected by means of a solid-state circuit breaker to the driving member through the thermocouple output by controlling the conduction or insulation condition of said breaker by means of the signal generated by a drive unit depending on at least one physical quantity to be controlled, among which, time, power, position or by the temperature sensor being integral with the thermocouple, and wherein said solid-state circuit breaker is mounted directly on said at least one cable connecting the temperature sensor to the thermocouple output assembly.