Gas Tap Flow Control via Segmented Channel Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustment devices for flowable substances lack flexibility in adjusting flow rates, limiting their application in gas cooking devices where multiple cooking stages and user convenience are essential.

Innovation Solution

A gas tap device with a channel unit and a movably mounted base body, allowing individual control of channels to achieve a high number of adjustable flow stages through distinct channel configurations, enabling precise and reproducible flow levels with a simple and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional adjustment device with limited channel control is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the flexibility in adjusting flow rates is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in adjusting flow ratesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device divides the flow control into multiple independent channels (first channel and second channel), each可控 by the base body independently. This segmentation allows flexible combination of channels to achieve various flow stages without requiring a completely complex restructuring of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed to be movable relative to the channel unit, enabling dynamic switching between different channel configurations. Through the movement of the base body, users can activate or block individual channels to achieve different flow rate levels, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow stages are achieved through complex channel configurations, then flow rate flexibility improves, but the number of components and construction effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of adjustable flow stagesVSAvoidconstruction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the control function of multiple channels into a single movable base body. The base body integrates the functionality to control both the first channel and second channel, allowing multiple flow stages to be achieved through a unified component rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each channel, thereby reducing construction effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, a sealing element, and a control mechanism for activating or blocking channels. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while achieving a high number of adjustable flow stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If individual channel control is implemented, then flow stage precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow stage precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable base body provides a simple yet effective mechanism for individual channel control. As the base body moves relative to the channel unit, it dynamically activates or blocks specific channels, achieving precise flow stage control without requiring complex individual control mechanisms for each channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base body's movement automatically controls the activation or blocking of channels based on its position relative to the channel unit. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional control components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving precise flow stage control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2171325B1Adjusting device
Publication Date: 2011.09.14 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2171325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2171325B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2171325B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjusting device, particularly of a gas tap device, for adjusting a flow of a flowable substance, comprising a channel unit (12) having at least two channels (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4) for a substance to flow through, and a base body (24) moveably supported relative to the channel unit (12), for providing a flow stage (6a - 46e) to actuate the channels (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4) in combination. In order to achieve high flexibility in the adjustment of a flow of a flowable substance in a simple design, it is proposed for the base body (24) to have an adjusting device (28), intended for actuating at least two channels (14.1, 14.2, 14.3) individually for providing a flow stage (46f - 46h) each.