US1420947A | 1922-06-27 | |||
US2783409A | 1957-02-26 |
CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
I) A pilot tube assembly for a gas appliance, comprising:
a) a pilot tip having a central aperture for gas flow, a centerline, one or more apertures
for aspiration of combustion air, and a central tapered bore for receiving a gas inlet
tube having an outer diameter;
b) said gas inlet tube being mechanically attached to said pilot tip's tapered bore by the
application of force creating a swaged joint;
whereby said swaged joint between said gas inlet tube and said pilot tip is gas leak tight
and sustains repeated heating and cooling thermal cycles, of at least 700 degrees F,
typically experienced by said pilot tube during operation of said gas appliance.
2) A pilot tube assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said central tapered bore has a taper inclined at an angle ranging from 1 to 2 degrees with respect to said centerline of
said pilot tip.
3) A pilot tube assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said central tapered bore has a
taper inclined at an angle ranging from 1.25 to 1.75 degrees with respect to said
centerline of said pilot tip.
4) A pilot tube assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said central tapered bore has a taper inclined at an angle of 1.5 degrees with respect to said centerline of said pilot tip.
5) A pilot tube assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein said central tapered bore of said
pilot tip has a diameter ranging from 1.005 to 1.05 times said outer diameter of said gas
inlet tube. 6) A method of manufacturing pilot tube assembly, comprising the steps of:
a) preparing a pilot tip with a taper at one end for receiving a gas inlet tube, said gas
inlet tube being straight or bent, and said pilot tip having a centerline;
b) loading said pilot tip with said taper in an assembly machine;
c) grabbing said straight or bent gas inlet tube by a pair of jaw grips to grab and position said gas inlet tube within said taper of said pilot tip;
d) applying pressure to swage a gas leak-tight joint between said taper of said pilot tip
and said gas inlet tube;
whereby manufacture of said pilot tube assembly is automated.
7) A method of manufacturing a pilot tube assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein said
taper ranges from about 1 to 2 degrees with respect to said centerline of said pilot tip.
8) A method of manufacturing a pilot tube assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein said taper ranges from about 1.25 to 1.75 degrees with respect to said centerline of said pilot
tip.
9) A method of manufacturing a pilot tube assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein said
taper is 1.5 degrees with respect to said centerline of said pilot tip. |
PILOT TUBE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR GAS APPLIANCE RANGES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application claims the benefit of provisional application number 60/691,895,
filed June 17, 2005.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pilot tube assembly for gas appliances, including
gas ranges, gas furnaces, gas grills and other gas fired appliances wherein the pilot line
ignites the main gas flame.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Pilot tubes are used in gas appliance ranges and stoves. The pilot tube is an assembly of a gas inlet tube of carbon steel fuel line, having one end attached to a special
fitting called a pilot tip. This attachment needs to be free from gas leakage even when the
pilot tube is subjected to repeated cycles of varying temperature. An assembly comprised of
a pilot tip and a gas inlet tube is commonly referred to as a pilot tube assembly. The pilot
tube assembly provides a continuous flame that is always available for the lighting of a
range burner.
There are over ten major stove and range manufacturers in the US and across the
world, all of which require a pilot tube assembly for safe operation. Stove and range
manufacturers have essentially adapted one of three commonly accepted methods for
manufacture of pilot tube assemblies. Those methods commonly used to manufacture pilot tube assemblies include: a) compression fitting assembly; b) brazing assembly; and c)
deformation assembly. Each of these three prior art assembly methods and their
disadvantages are discussed.
The prior art compression fitting assembly of pilot tubes uses compression fittings.
A threaded pilot tip is connected to a brass compression sleeve having a brass compression
nut carried by the gas inlet tube, as illustrated at 10 in the photographs shown in Fig. 1. The
Fig. 1 photographs show the pilot tube assembly both in the opened-out configuration and
the assembled configuration. The pilot tip is threaded at one end 11. It is connected to the
gas inlet tube using industrial brass compression sleeve 12 and nut 13. The assembled pilot
tube assembly is shown on the photograph to the right. This assembly operation is manual
and time consuming and the machined components, including the threaded pilot tube, are
very expensive. The connection of the gas inlet tube to the pilot tip compresses the
compression sleeve 12 by the nut 13, with the result that misalignment therebetween results
in gas leakage. The gas tube has to be thrown away since it is deformed by the compression
fitting, which is permanently deformed over the gas inlet tube.
The prior art brazing assembly of the pilot tube assembly is illustrated at 20 in the
photographs of Fig. 2. A machined fitting slid over the gas inlet tube is positioned at the end of the pilot tip and the parts are brazed together using a braze filler. The braze filler fills the
gap between the gas inlet tube and the machined fitting as well as the gap between the
machined fitting and the end of the pilot tip. The brazed joint is shown at 21. During
brazing, movement of the parts or non-uniform braze fill in either of the two joint locations,
may result in gas leakage. The machined fitting and the brazing operation of pilot tube
assembly components are inherently expensive, whether the operation is carried out
manually or in an automated fashion.
The prior art deformation assembly of the pilot tube assembly is illustrated at 30 in
the photographs of Fig. 3. A loose fitting pilot tip fitting 31 is placed on the end of a pilot
tip. Using a chisel-type devise, the pilot tip is deformed onto the gas inlet tube. The left
photograph shows the loose pilot tip fitting 31 slid over the gas inlet tube 32. The right
photograph shows the deformed pilot tip creating a pilot tube assembly. The deformation
location of the pilot tip is shown at 33. This deformation process tends to be unreliable.
Manufacturers using this assembly method report that a high percentage of fittings become
loose and fall off, causing concern in the gas range industry.
US Patent No. 4,854,855 to Rajewski discloses a flare igniter assembly. The flare
igniter assembly comprises an elongated tubing assembly including a first air supply
conduit and a fuel gas supply line enclosed inside the first air supply conduit. The fuel gas
supply line is provided with a member having a venturi-type orifice through which fuel gas
and intake air pass. The orifice effects the initial mixing of fuel gas and air. The fuel gas
supply line further includes a combustion zone and means for transferring a fuel gas-air
mixture downstream from the orifice to the combustion zone. The combustion zone includes an inspirating baffle member firmly positioned within the fuel gas supply line. The
terminal portion of the fuel gas supply line extends into the second air supply conduit,
within which an ignited flame is burning. The second air supply conduit is adjacent to a
porthole in the flare stack, near the upper end thereof, to ignite combustible waste gases
passing through the flare stack. The disclosed flare igniter assembly is a waste gas igniter.
The construction method of the igniter involves the use of a venturi in the gas line to
aspirate air from the second air tube, which surrounds the gas tube. The air is not aspirated
from the ambient and there is no pilot tip in this device.
US Patent# 6,814,570 to Zink, et al. discloses a venturi mixer and combustion
assembly. The combustion assembly includes a venturi mixer and a combustion tip, which is attached to a discharge end section of the venturi mixer. The discharge end section of the
venturi mixer is provided with a divergent interior wall. Because of the reduction in
pressure drop at the venturi exit, the device is able to induce more combustion air. Thus, the
premix gas burner tip or pilot tip / burner is capable of operating over a wider air to fuel
ratio range. Further, the flame propagation speed increases as a result of the induction of
more combustion air with increased flame stability. The gas inlet tube has an orifice and the
venturi mixer is placed in front of the gas inlet tube. It is not bonded to the gas inlet tube in
any manner. The gap between the gas exit tube with the orifice and the venturi mixer is
critical and is not controlled.
US Patent No. 5,716,003 to Streetman discloses a jet pilot tip. The jet pilot tip is adapted for use in an in-line connection of a fuel supply. The jet pilot tip includes a
body with a threaded bore, which is capped during use, and an open surface with a side
conduit member connected to a fuel supply line. The cap is removed and a pin is inserted to
clean the nozzle of the jet pilot tip. Gas is injected out of the jet pilot tip into the ambient.
The pilot tube does not mix gas and air to create a readily combustible fuel air mixture.
There remains a need in the art for a pilot tube assembly that functions reliably in gas appliances. Also needed is a manufacturing process for producing a low cost pilot tube
assembly in an automated assembly operation. Gas leaks in the pilot tubes are undesirable
and result in safety concerns. Since the pilot tube is always turned on and the main gas
flame impinges on the pilot tube, its construction must repeatedly withstand severe thermal
cycles without failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a pilot tube assembly that is economical to
manufacture and provides an extremely reliable joint between the pilot tip and the gas inlet
tube. The pilot tube assembly does not require compression fittings, brazing operations, or
operations that deform the pilot tip, which make conventional pilot tube assemblies less
reliable to manufacture and shorten their service live.
The pilot tip has a central aperture to deliver gas and later apertures to aspirate
ambient air. The gas stream and air stream are mixed and delivered to the tip of the pilot
tube assemble to create a continuous stable pilot flame. The pilot tip is provided with a taper
in a central bore that is intended to join with the gas inlet tube. The diameter of the tapered
bore at the gas inlet tube entry point is slightly larger than that of the gas inlet tube's outer
diameter. The bore entry point may be as large as 1.005 to 1.05 times the outer diameter of
the gas inlet tube. The assembly machine forces the pilot tip onto the gas inlet tube and the
two pieces swage-lock together. This intimate connection between the pilot tip and the gas
tube inlet has several key embodiments. For this swaging process to occur, the taper angle
has to be selected within a narrow range, in order to be operable within a certain pressure
range applied by the assembly machine. The gas inlet tube deforms to match the taper that is
present in the pilot tip. A smaller taper angle allows this swaging operation to occur at a lower pressure, provides large contact area between the pilot tip interior surface and the gas
inlet outer surface. The gas inlet tube also travels a larger distance into the pilot tip. If the angle is larger, the reverse holds true. When the angle exceeds a certain value, it is
practically impossible to force the gas inlet tube into the tapered bore of the pilot tip since
plastic deformation of the gas inlet tube outer surface is incapable of accommodating the
deformation required. Experiments with various taper bore geometry of the pilot tip have
resulted in the selection of a rather narrow range of taper angles that result in the reliable
swaging operation. A taper angle of 1 to 2 degrees from the centerline, preferably 1.25 to
1.75 degrees, and more preferably 1.5 degree, provides optimum swage lock bonding.
The selection of the angle of taper affects the swaged part in several key aspects.
First, it determines the distance that the gas inlet tube penetrates into the pilot tip. The
assembly machine has to be designed to provide the force over this displacement distance
for reliable swaging. Secondly, the angle also determines the contact area between the gas
inlet tube and the pilot tip. Since the main gas flame impinges on the pilot tip, its
temperature rises causing the pilot tip to expand. If the gas tube is not in intimate contact
with the pilot tip, it has a lower temperature than the pilot tip, causing the loosening of the
joint between the pilot tip and the gas inlet line. Intimate contact between the two
components results in smooth heat flow, keeping their thermal expansions similarly
matched, thereby maintaining intimate contact even when the assembly is thermally cycled.
The pilot tip may be cast and machined to required dimensions and this operation is
conducted at a minimal cost since no threading is needed. The assembly machine uses a
standard gas inlet tube and swages the two components together reliably by the application
of selected pressure and distance of movement using an air cylinder ram. The assembly
process allows for semi-automatic assembly and greatly reduces labor costs.
Significant advantages are realized by practice of the present invention. Key features
of the pilot tube and method therefor include, in combination, the components set forth below:
1) a pilot tip has apertures for aspirating air attached to a gas inlet line providing a
gas air mixture that permits reliable combustion to produce a continuous flame capable of
igniting a main gas flame in a reliable manner, while sustaining multiple thermal duty
cycles;
2) the pilot tip is provided with a tapered inlet end to receive the gas inlet tube;
3) the taper is in die range of 1 to 2 degrees from the centerline, preferably 1.25 to
1.75 degrees, and more preferably 1.5 degrees;
4) the gas inlet tube is forced into the tapered bore of the pilot tip by the application of pressure from an air cylinder ram in an assembly machine, thereby swaging, deforming
and mechanically locking the gas inlet tube into the pilot tip by deformation of the outer surface of the gas flow tube and thereby producing the pilot tube assembly; and
5) the intimate contact between the gas flow tube's outer surface and the pilot tip's inner surface transmits heat from the main gas flame, maintaining approximately equal thermal expansion of the pilot tip and gas inlet tube, thereby permitting multiple thermal
cycles of the pilot tube assembly; whereby the pilot tube assembly is produced in an assembly line operation with extremely high reliability at reduced manufacturing costs, producing a gas tight seal resistant to repeated thermal cycling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a photograph depicting a prior art compression fitting assembly of a pilot tube;
FIG. 2 is a photograph showing a prior art brazing assembly of a pilot tube;
FIG. 3 is a photograph illustrating a prior art deformation assembly of a pilot tube;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a pilot tip according to the present invention showing the taper provided to receive the gas inlet tube;
FIG. 5 is a photograph depicting a pilot tip having a taper designed to receive the gas inlet tube; and
FIG. 6 is a photograph showing details of an assembly machine, which inserts a bent gas inlet tube into the pilot tip using a pair of jaw grips.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Pilot tubes are used in gas appliance ranges, stoves and industrial furnaces. The pilot tube is an assembly comprising a gas inlet tube, typically from a carbon steel fuel line, which is attached on one end to a special fitting called a pilot tip. The pilot tip has several openings on the side to aspirate ambient air. A high velocity incoming gas stream is mixed with aspirated air, providing a ready to combust fuel air mixture. The well-mixed combustion mixture is delivered at the end or tip of the pilot tip, producing a continuous flame. Once the main flame is ignited, it is in close proximity with the pilot tip and is subject to heating. When the main flame extinguishes, the pilot tip returns to its original temperature. The pilot tube assembly is subjected to large temperature variations. Moreover, the attachment between the pilot tip and the gas inlet tube must be maintained as a gas leak- tight and mechanically secure device. Any gas leakage, or in the worst case, separation of the tip from the assembly, results in the release of raw gas into the ambient, which is undesirable and can cause safety concerns.
These problems, inherent to conventional pilot tube assemblies, have been overcome by the pilot tube assembly and method of the present invention. It has been found particularly advantageous in this respect, to provide an assembly wherein a pilot tip has a
taped bore which receives a standard gas inlet tube, which may be straight or bent. The gas
inlet tube is forced and swaged into the pilot tip by an assembly machine, producing
mechanical interlocking thereof. The assembly machine is provided with a pair of grips,
which hold and insert a bent or straight gas inlet tube into a pilot tip.
The pressure applied causes a swaging action, and depends greatly on the angle of
taper provided in the pilot tip. In general, the larger the angle, the higher is the pressure
needed to create the swaging action and the contact area between the pilot tip and the gas
inlet tube. If the angle is too large, the expansion of the pilot tip may result in its breakage.
We have found that there is a very narrow range of angles within which the swaging effect
occurs, creating a reliable bond between the pilot tip and the gas inlet tube. Advantageously,
the joint thus created is immune to thermal cycles to which the pilot tube assembly is
subjected throughout its service life. The angle of the pilot tip is 1 to 2 degrees, preferably
1.25 to 1.75 degrees and more preferably 1.5 degrees. The tolerance of this angle is
typically +/- 0.25 degrees. The gas inlet tube is typically of standard dimensions and is cylindrical. No
preparation is needed to prepare this tube for insertion, other than removal of burrs and cutting irregularities. Generally, the dimension of the pilot tip at the insertion point is
slightly larger (about 1.005 to 1.05 times larger) than the outer diameter of the gas inlet
tube. This permits an easy insertion of the tube. Upon application of pressure using the
assembly machine, the outer surface of the gas inlet tube deforms to match the taper and
creates a swaged, mechanical bond. The surface area of contact between the pilot tip inner
surface and the outer surface of the gas inlet tube is sufficiently large at these selected
angles that heat is readily conducted away from the pilot tip to the gas inlet tube. Therefore,
the temperature of the pilot tip and the gas inlet tube are approximately the same. The tip
and tube thermally expand in a similar manner, and the joint is less likely to be
compromised. This is the reason why the joint can sustain repeated thermal cycling without
damaging the components of the pilot tube assembly.
The assembly machine inserts the pilot tip and brings forth the gas inlet tube using a
pair of jaw grips. An air cylinder applies pressure to the pilot tip and forces the gas inlet
tube into the pilot tip, thereby creating the pilot tube assembly.
Figure 4 is an engineering drawing illustrating the pilot tip with the taper provided to
receive the gas inlet tube. The taper is shown to have the most preferable angle of 1.5
degrees +/- 0.25 degrees. This angle is between the inner surface of the taper in the pilot
and its centerline. Gas flow occurs through the central aperture in the pilot tip, causing air to be aspirated from the lateral apertures.
In Figure 5 there is shown a photograph of the pilot tip with the taper provided to
receive the gas inlet line. The angle between the sidewalls of the taper is 3 degrees, as
shown.
Figure 6 shows a photograph of the assembly machine 60 during operation. The
pilot tip 61 is brought into the machine with the tapered side facing the right side of the
photograph. The gas inlet tube 62, which is bent, is held by grips 63. The air cylinder ram
64 applies pressure to insert the gas inlet tube 62 into the taper of the pilot tip 61, swaging
the pilot tube assembly.
A number of tests are carried out to evaluate the leak tightness of the pilot tube
assembly and its structural integrity, especially after repeated thermal cycling.
Leak test - A pilot tube assembly was produced and the holes for air inlet and gas
outlet were plugged. The gas inlet tube was connected to air pressure. The assembly was
immersed in water to look for any bubbles. The goal of this test is to exceed 30 psi,
approximating maximum values encountered in a gas line. The pilot tube assembly
sustained 100 psi without any bubbles while immersed in water as shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1
Pull Test - The pilot tube assembly was inserted into a universal testing machine
which is capable of applying tensile loading. The load at which the inserted gas inlet tube
separates from the pilot tip was measured. The goal was to exceed 25 pounds of pull force.
The actual separation value was 118 pounds of tensile load as shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2
Heat Cycle Test - The pilot tube assembly was heated in an oven set at a
temperature of 700 degrees F. The assembly was taken out of the furnace and cooled to
ambient temperature and the pressure leak was tested at 25 psi. The cycle was repeated 100
times. The goal was to pass the pressure leak test for 100 cycles. The results are shown in
Table 3 below.
Table 3
Yield of present invention as compared to prior art methods - Table 4, shown
below, documents the yield comparison between various manufacturing methods heretofore
disclosed and utilized for the pilot tube assembly and the pilot tip taper assembly of the
present invention.
Table 4
Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that
such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications
may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention
as defined by the subjoined claims.
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