Gear switch for plug valve, plug valve and gas apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gear switches for plug valves have complex structures and unstable flame intensity adjustment, leading to poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

A gear switch for a plug valve that integrates an adjustment structure, including a base, rotation block, and positioning structure, with features like snap-fitted cover plates and elastic members to enhance stability and accuracy of flame intensity adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex gear switch structure is used, then the flame intensity adjustment can be achieved, but the structural complexity increases and stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame intensity adjustmentVSAvoidgear switch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear switch is divided into separate functional components: a base, a rotatable component with gear structure, and a positioning structure. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structure is extracted as a separate functional element that can be independently designed and adjusted. This extraction allows the positioning mechanism to be optimized without affecting the gear adjustment mechanism, reducing structural complexity while improving stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a simple gear switch structure is used, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the flame intensity adjustment stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear switch structureVSAvoidflame intensity adjustment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure provides mechanical feedback by engaging with the gear structure at specific positions. This feedback mechanism ensures stable positioning of the valve core at predetermined flame intensity levels, maintaining adjustment stability without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex continuous adjustment mechanism, the invention uses a discrete positioning approach where the positioning structure engages with the gear at specific predetermined positions. This inversion from continuous to discrete adjustment simplifies the structure while ensuring stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If the gear switch structure is simplified, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the positioning precision of the rotation block deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear switch structureVSAvoidrotation block positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure is designed to automatically engage with the gear structure at predetermined positions without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. This self-positioning capability ensures precise positioning of the rotation block while keeping the manufacturing process simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structure is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically align with the gear structure at specific positions. This beforehand positioning ensures precision is built into the design, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4386237B1Gear switch for plug valve, plug valve and gas apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 WUHU MIDEA SMART KITCHEN APPLIANCE MFG CO LTD
  • EP4386237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4386237B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4386237B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A gear switch (1) for a plug valve, a plug valve (100), and a gas device are provided. The plug valve (100) includes a valve body (2), a valve core (3), and a valve stem (4). The valve body (2) has an inlet (203) and an outlet (204). The valve core (3) is disposed in the valve body (2) and is configured to adjust an opening degree between the inlet (203) and the outlet (204) through rotating. The valve stem (4) is connected to the valve core (3) and is configured to drive the valve core (3). The gear switch (1) includes a base (11), a rotation block (12), and a positioning structure (13). The base (11) has a receiving hole (101). The rotation block (12) is rotatably disposed in the receiving hole (101) and has a mounting hole (102) configured to cooperate with the valve stem (4) to allow the rotation block (12) to rotate along with the valve stem (4). The positioning structure (13) is disposed at the base (11) and is configured to position the rotation block (12).