Gas Tap Tactile Feedback Mechanism for Precise Flow Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas tap mechanisms for cooking appliances lack a reliable and tactile method for selecting precise gas flow rates, often resulting in inaccurate or indefinite settings, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular tactile feedback device is integrated into the gas tap, featuring a sleeve with sequential depressions that provide tactile feedback as the follower moves over these depressions, allowing for definite selection of gas flow rates through a rotating mechanism that offers a sense of resistance or ease based on flow levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional gas tap mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of gas flow rate selection is poor resulting in inaccurate settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tactile feedback mechanism consisting of a follower that engages with a cam profile. As the selector rotates to different positions, the cam profile creates distinct tactile sensations (highs and lows) that provide feedback to the user about the selected gas flow rate position, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cam profile as an intermediary element between the selector and the follower. The cam profile translates rotational position into tactile feedback through its geometric shape, allowing precise position indication without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems
2Ease of operation
If a tactile feedback device is added to the gas tap, then the ease of operation is improved through better flow level perception, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile feedback device provides immediate sensory feedback to the user during operation. The follower engages with the cam profile to create tactile sensations that indicate the selected flow level, making it easier for users to accurately select and verify gas flow rates without requiring complex electronic displays or controls
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile feedback mechanism is self-indicating through mechanical engagement. The cam profile and follower work together to automatically provide tactile cues based on the selector position, eliminating the need for external power sources, electronics, or additional control systems
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 enables users to select gas flow levels with precision and confidence, enhancing operational control and safety by providing a tangible feedback mechanism that distinguishes between different flow rates, preventing accidental or incorrect settings.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element and a follower are positioned within the recessed element. The follower extends radially towards an exterior section of a shaft of the gas tap
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention is a cooking appliance (1) which comprises a carcass (10), a front panel (11) on the carcass (10), a button (5) on the front panel (11), a flow control element (62) which regulates the flow of gas by the turning of a shaft (60) which is connected to the button (5) and is equipped with a gas tap (6) which has a tap body (63) with a hollow interior in which the flow control element (62) is accommodated. The cooking appliance (1) includes a follower (20), which extends radially toward the shaft (60), adjusted so that it grips an exterior section (603) of the shaft (60) of the gas tap (6) and a tactile feedback device (2) with a guiding section which ensures the guidance of the follower (20) in order to provide adjustment with perception of gas adjustment levels by rotation of the button (5).