Fixation system for gas valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of gas valve assemblies in kitchen appliances is complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors, leading to potential gas leakage and safety risks due to imprecise screw-based fixation methods, which also results in aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve assembly with a spring member looping around the gas rail and valve body for resilient bracing, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for easier, faster assembly with reduced labor costs, and enabling precise positioning without screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based fixation is used to connect the gas valve assembly to the gas rail, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the gas rail, and a separate fastening mechanism with spring members and retaining clips. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process by enabling tool-free attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members provide dynamic, resilient bracing between the mounting bracket and the gas valve assembly. This dynamic connection allows for self-adjustment and maintains secure contact without requiring tight fastening, thereby simplifying assembly while ensuring reliable connection.
2Strength
If screw-based fixation is used to position the gas valve assembly, then the connection is firm, but precise positioning becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with specific geometric features and attachment points that guide the gas valve assembly into the correct position before fastening. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment is achieved naturally through the design geometry rather than requiring precise screw placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a spring-based resilient bracing system combined with retaining clips. This substitution maintains firm connection while allowing for easier and more precise positioning during assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple screw components are used to assemble the gas valve assembly, then the connection is secure, but labor costs and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Screws and other complex fastening components are completely removed from the fixation system. The connection security is achieved through the spring members providing resilient bracing and retaining clips providing mechanical retention, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members automatically provide tension and bracing when the gas valve assembly is attached to the mounting bracket. The system self-regulates the connection force through the spring's inherent elasticity, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or multiple fastening operations.
4Productivity
If imprecise positioning is used in gas valve assembly, then assembly is faster, but gas leakage and safety risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket and spring members are pre-configured to guide the gas valve assembly into the correct position and provide uniform distribution of connection forces. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures proper alignment and sealing contact is achieved automatically, preventing gas leakage while maintaining fast assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members provide beforehand cushioning and compliance in the connection system, allowing for minor position variations while maintaining secure contact. This resilient bracing compensates for positioning tolerances and ensures consistent sealing pressure, preventing gas leakage even with slight position variations.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces labor costs, and enhances safety by ensuring precise alignment, reducing the risk of gas leakage and aesthetic issues, while allowing for easy replacement of parts without disassembling the entire assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring member looping around said gas rail and/or said valve body, thereby resiliently bracing said gas valve and said gas rail
Data Source
AI summary
Gas circuit (1) for a kitchen appliance (2) comprising a gas rail (3) with a gas inlet (4) for connecting said gas rail (3) to a gas source (5) and with at least one gas outlet (6), said gas circuit (1) further comprising a gas tube (7) for providing gas from said gas outlet (6) to a gas hob (8), and said gas circuit (1) further comprising a gas valve assembly (9) connecting said gas tube (7) to said gas outlet (6) of said gas rail (3) in a flow conducting manner, said gas valve assembly (9) comprising a gas valve (10) with a valve body (11) and fixation means (12) fixing said valve body (11) to said gas rail (3) such that said gas valve (10) is supported by said gas rail (3), characterized in that said fixation means (12) comprise a first spring member (13a) looping around said gas rail (3) and/or said valve body (11), thereby resiliently bracing said gas valve (10) and said gas rail (3).