Gas Regulator Fitting Adjustable Setpoint Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas regulator fittings for gas-fired heating devices lack the ability for users to make simple subsequent adjustments to the preset setpoint range, which limits temperature optimization without exceeding operational conditions or entering the gas-conducting space.
Innovation Solution
A setting element with a threaded component and detachable locking device allows for adjustment of the temperature-sensitive element's position, featuring a tubular latching part and guide contour to restrict adjustments within safe operating limits, ensuring the setpoint range can be altered without compromising system safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gas regulator fitting is designed with a fixed preset setpoint range during manufacture, then system safety and manufacturing precision are ensured, but the adaptability for subsequent user adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components: a setting element with threaded element, a detachable locking device with latching part, and a guide contour system. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the setpoint range while maintaining the integrity of the overall regulator fitting, enabling users to modify only the necessary portion without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator fitting transitions from a static fixed setpoint design to a dynamic adjustable design. The threaded element enables continuous positional adjustment of the temperature-sensitive element, while the detachable locking device allows the system to switch between locked (fixed) and unlocked (adjustable) states, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining stability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the setpoint range is made adjustable by users, then adaptability and optimization capability are improved, but the risk of exceeding permitted operating conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide contour is pre-formed with specific geometric constraints that physically prevent the setting element from being adjusted beyond safe operating limits. This preliminary anti-action is built into the structure itself, automatically counteracting any adjustment attempt that would exceed permitted temperature ranges before such harmful adjustment can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide contour acts as an intermediary between the user's adjustment action and the temperature-sensitive element. It mediates the adjustment process by allowing movement only within predefined safe boundaries, filtering out harmful adjustments while permitting beneficial ones, thus protecting the system from exceeding operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable locking device is implemented to enable adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate detachable device rather than being integrated into the main regulator body. The locking collar can be independently attached or removed from the latching part, allowing users to engage or disengage the locking mechanism as needed without interfering with other regulator functions, simplifying the adjustment operation while containing the complexity in a modular component.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through its mechanical interaction between the locking collar and latching part. The threaded element's rotation automatically engages or disengages the latching part with the guide contour, and the locking collar provides automatic retention, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control systems while maintaining ease of operation.
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 users to optimize the temperature range without exceeding permitted conditions, providing a simple and secure method for adjusting the setpoint range while maintaining system safety through a non-destructive locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded element (12) that can be screwed into the housing (1) of the gas regulator fitting
Implementation Method 2
both are rigidly interconnected by a detachable locking device, wherein a tubular latching part (14) securely connected to the threaded element (12)
Implementation Method 3
the switching system of a combined proportional and two position controller controllable by a temperature-sensitive element, for example metal bellows serving as a lifting element
Data Source
AI summary
The aim is to provide a gas control valve in which the specified desired value range can be subsequently shifted easily in order to optimize the range of settable temperatures for the heating device without exceeding the device- and/or installation-specific admissible use conditions. To this end, a setting element (17) which serves to change the position of a temperature-sensitive element (8) and thus to actuate a switch for activating a valve has a threaded part (12) that is screwable into the housing (1) of the gas control valve. In this case, the two are connected together in a rotationally secure manner via a releasable locking mechanism, wherein a tubular latching part (14) that is firmly connected to the threaded part (12) is arranged between the pot-like setting element (17), partially surrounding the threaded part (12) with a recess (18), and the threaded part (12). By way of a stop element (16) that protrudes from the end side, the latching part (14) projects into a guiding contour (19) which is formed by an end-side aperture located in the setting element (17).