Steam Cleaner Valve Spring Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handpieces for steam jet devices face issues with unintentional steam release due to slipping, and the risk of valve jamming, which complicates precise steam dosing.
Innovation Solution
The handpiece incorporates laterally arranged spring elements that apply a spring force parallel to the displacement direction, allowing the valve body to move with minimal transverse forces, ensuring sensitive steam dosing and preventing jamming, with a design that includes a T-shaped valve body and helical tension springs for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return spring is designed as a helical compression spring clamped between the actuating element and a stop in the housing, then the risk of unintentional steam release is reduced, but the valve body may jam making it difficult to regulate steam output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional spring arrangement by placing spring elements laterally adjacent to the valve body rather than at the ends. This reversal of the spring positioning eliminates transverse forces on the valve body while maintaining the return force function, preventing both jamming and unintentional release.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are arranged in a lateral dimension adjacent to the valve body, applying forces parallel to the displacement direction rather than from the ends. This dimensional change in spring placement allows the valve body to move freely without transverse forces while still providing the necessary return force.
2Device complexity
If the valve body is subject to transverse forces during movement, then the structure may be simpler, but the valve body may jam reducing metering precision
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are positioned laterally adjacent to the valve body, changing the spatial arrangement from end-mounted to side-mounted. This dimensional change ensures forces are applied parallel to the displacement direction, eliminating transverse forces that cause jamming and improve metering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are positioned at specific lateral locations adjacent to the valve body, creating a localized force application arrangement. This local positioning ensures that forces are applied in the correct direction without affecting other parts of the valve mechanism, preventing jamming while maintaining simplicity.
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
This configuration enables precise control over steam release, reducing the risk of unintentional steam discharge and valve jamming, allowing for sensitive and reliable dosing of steam output.
Implementation Method 1
arranging at least one spring element laterally next to the valve housing, which applies a spring force to the valve body parallel to the direction of displacement
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring element of the handpiece is designed as a tension spring. In particular, a helical tension spring has proven to be advantageous
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handpiece (10) for a steam jet device having a housing (12) which has an inlet (24) for a feed line and an outlet (48) for a discharging line and in which a metering valve (32) is arranged with a valve housing (34), in which a valve body (52) is mounted which can be displaced to and fro linearly in a displacement direction, wherein the valve body is coupled to an actuating member (78) which is held movably on the housing and can be moved by the user counter to the action of a spring force. In order to develop the handpiece in such a way that it makes particularly sensitive metering of the steam discharge possible, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one spring element is arranged laterally next to the valve housing (34), which at least one spring element loads the valve body (52) with a spring force which is oriented parallel to the displacement direction.