Gas Tap Microswitch Snap-Fit Assembly for Simpler Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microswitch units for gas supply control taps in cooking hobs are complex and costly to assemble due to the use of external springs and elastic circlips, limiting their adaptability to various tap sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A microswitch unit that engages via snap-engaging means with the tap stem's circumferential groove, utilizing a resilient recall member like a helical spring and a bush with elastic lugs for secure attachment, ensuring easy association and adaptability to different tap configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external springs and elastic circlips are used to associate the microswitch unit with the tap stem, then the microswitch unit can be securely attached, but the assembly procedure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment function into the circumferential groove structure itself, which integrates both the positioning and securing functions that were previously separated into distinct external springs and circlips. The groove receives and retains the actuating member's end portion, eliminating the need for separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the external springs and elastic circlips from the assembly, extracting these separate fastening elements and replacing them with an integrated groove-based retention system that is part of the tap stem structure itself.
2Reliability
If external springs and elastic circlips are used to associate the microswitch unit with the tap stem, then the microswitch unit can be securely attached, but the assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is merged into the circumferential groove structure, eliminating the need for separate external springs and circlips. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled, thereby lowering overall assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the external fastening components (springs and circlips), the patent reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly operations, leading to lower overall assembly costs while maintaining secure attachment through the groove structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized microswitch unit design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to various tap sizes and types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential groove is designed with dimensions and characteristics that allow it to accommodate actuating members from different tap types and sizes. The groove's geometry enables a single microswitch unit design to work universally across various tap configurations, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
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 component costs, and allows for versatile adaptation to various gas supply control taps, maintaining reliable electrical connectivity and preventing liquid ingress while ensuring long-term conductivity and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient recall member such as a helical spring 28
Implementation Method 2
a bush 30 with a circular base portion 54 and a top portion 56 with a frustoconical shape formed by a ring of inclined elastic lugs 58
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The microswitch unit (10) can be associated with a gas supply control tap (14), in particular for cooking hobs and the like, and comprises a fixed casing and an actuating member. The fixed casing houses a fixed contact strip (20) and a movable contact strip (22) facing each other. The actuating member has a base portion mounted slidably inside the casing and provided with means able to cause engagement/disengagement of the contact strips (20, 22) with/from each other, and a top portion provided with means able to snap-engage with a stem (12) of the tap (14).