Removable Gas Stove Knob Assembly With Ingress-Protecting Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas stoves lack a convenient and secure method for removing and cleaning the actuation knob, which can lead to liquids and particles entering sensitive electronics or switch harnesses during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A gas stove design featuring a form-locking connection between the actuation knob and stem, allowing tool-free removal and reattachment, with a cone-shaped connection element and gasket to prevent fluid ingress, and a top sheet with breakthroughs to guide the connection element, ensuring protection of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the actuation knob is permanently fixed to the gas valve, then the structure is simple and secure, but the knob cannot be removed for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuation knob and stem is divided into two separable parts: the actuation knob and the connection element. The connection element remains attached to the stem while the knob can be removed, allowing the knob to be segmented for cleaning purposes while maintaining the functional connection when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation knob is extracted as a removable component from the gas valve assembly. By separating the knob from the stem through a removable connection mechanism, the knob can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance while the connection element remains on the stem to prevent foreign object ingress.
2Ease of repair
If the actuation knob is made removable for cleaning, then maintenance is easier, but liquids and particles can enter sensitive electronics or switch harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element acts as an intermediary component between the actuation knob and the gas valve stem. It provides a form-locking connection that secures the knob during operation but allows removal for cleaning. The connection element also serves as a barrier that prevents liquids and particles from reaching sensitive electronics and switch harnesses when the knob is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation knob is extracted as a removable component while the connection element remains fixed to the stem. This extraction allows the knob to be removed for cleaning purposes, and simultaneously the connection element serves as a protective barrier preventing harmful substances from entering the internal electronic components.
3Ease of operation
If a tool-free removal system is used for the actuation knob, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the connection security and torque transfer may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuation knob and stem is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The form-locking connection allows the knob to be easily removed and reattached without tools during maintenance, while during normal operation the connection provides secure torque transfer. The connection element's geometry enables it to transition between a secure locked state during use and a removable state for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element features a cone-shaped basic section that interfaces with a corresponding breakthrough in the top sheet. This conical geometry provides self-centering and secure engagement when the knob is assembled, ensuring reliable torque transfer, while still allowing tool-free removal by applying force along the axis of rotation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A gas stove (1), comprising a gas valve (4), which has an actuation stem (12) for actuating the gas valve (4), an actuation knob (14) for actuating the actuation stem (12), and a connection element (20), which couples the actuation knob (14) to the actuation stem (12), wherein the actuation knob (14) is connected to the connection element (20) in a form-locking manner, so that the actuation knob (14) is removable from the gas stove (1) for maintenance purposes.