Plug Valve Mode-Switching Design for Automatic Gas Stove Fire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas stoves require manual operation to adjust fire settings, which can lead to forgotten adjustments during long cooking processes, resulting in burnt food or wasted time, as users need to stay in the kitchen to manage fire levels manually.
Innovation Solution
A plug valve with automatic and manual fire control modes, featuring a driving mechanism, change-over switch, and a controller that allows for remote adjustment and automatic firepower adjustment based on preset programs or temperature sensing, enabling convenient and precise control of fire settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual operation is used to adjust fire settings, then the structure remains simple, but the user must stay in the kitchen to prevent burnt food, wasting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic fire control where the gas stove itself monitors and adjusts the flame based on preset programs or temperature feedback, eliminating the need for user intervention during cooking. The controller automatically manages the valve rod rotation to maintain appropriate fire levels without requiring user presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated driving mechanism that uses a motor to rotate the valve rod. This mechanical substitution allows the system to automatically adjust fire settings without requiring manual rotation, thereby saving user time while maintaining operational control.
2Ease of operation
If automatic fire control mode is added, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is designed to serve dual purposes: it can operate automatically under controller command for automated fire control, or be manually operated when the automatic function is not needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide automatic control convenience while avoiding the need for completely separate manual and automatic systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the manual operation capability with the automatic driving mechanism into a single integrated system. The valve rod, driving mechanism, and controller are combined such that the same mechanical components serve both manual and automatic modes, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each mode.
3Ease of manufacture
If mounting seat is added to simplify valve body, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body structure is segmented into two functional parts: the valve body proper (for gas flow control) and the mounting seat (for housing the driving mechanism and controller). This segmentation allows the valve body to be manufactured more simply as a dedicated gas control component, while the mounting seat serves as a separate platform for electronic and mechanical control components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding a component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a plug valve and a gas stove, the plug valve includes a valve seat, a valve rod, a driving mechanism and a change-over switch. The valve rod, the driving mechanism and the change-over switch are all mounted on the valve seat, the driving mechanism is connected to valve rod to drive the valve rod, and the change-over switch is electrically connected with the driving mechanism. The plug valve has an automatic fire control mode and a manual fire control mode, when the valve rod is rotated to trigger the change-over switch, the plug valve is changed to the automatic fire control mode.