Multifunctional Switch Base Assembly for Safe Dual-Fuel Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel switching systems in dual-fuel generators face safety and operational convenience issues due to mechanical control limitations, particularly in ensuring safe transitions between gas and liquid fuels.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional switch base assembly with integrated microswitches and solenoid valves, controlled by a control module, includes a limiting structure and timing reset assembly to ensure precise and safe fuel switching, incorporating mechanical and circuit controls for enhanced safety and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual mechanical control of the valve body is used for fuel switching, then the device structure is simple, but the safety and convenience of user operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical valve body control system with an electromagnetic control system consisting of a control module, microswitches, and solenoid valves. The control module receives signals from microswitches triggered by the switch knob and actuates solenoid valves to control fuel channels, substituting direct mechanical control with an electromechanical system that improves safety through electrical isolation and controlled actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary between the user-operated switch knob and the fuel control valves. This intermediary processes signals, validates transitions, and coordinates the actuation of multiple solenoid valves, ensuring safe and controlled fuel switching without direct mechanical connection between the knob and valve bodies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual mechanical control of the valve body is used for fuel switching, then the device structure is simple, but the convenience of user operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidconvenience of user operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module automatically manages the fuel switching process by receiving signals from microswitches and autonomously actuating the appropriate solenoid valves. The system self-regulates the transition between fuel types, eliminating the need for manual valve manipulation and providing more convenient user operation through a simple rotary switch interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional fuel switching system is used, then residual fuel accumulation occurs, but adding precise channel management increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual fuel accumulationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preliminary shutdown action by activating the third microswitch before actual fuel switching occurs. This triggers the control module to close all fuel channels and disconnect power to solenoid valves in advance, preventing residual fuel accumulation and safety hazards before the transition begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a periodic shutdown sequence where the control module periodically closes all fuel channels and disconnects power during the transition between fuel types. This periodic interruption of fuel flow and power supply prevents residual fuel accumulation and ensures complete channel clearance during each switching cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 assembly provides improved safety and operational convenience by ensuring stable fuel channel control, preventing residual fuel accumulation and reducing safety hazards through precise channel management and power-off states during transitions.

Implementation Method 1

a gas switch assembly and an oil line switch assembly which are controlled by the switch knob to turn on or off are mounted on the switch base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

the gas switch assembly includes a second microswitch connected to the control module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicroswitch:

Data Source

PatentUS20260015981A1Multifunctional switch base assembly and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ZHEJIANG CONSTANT POWER MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a multifunctional switch base assembly and a control method thereof, solving problems such as safety of switching between fuel and gas. The multifunctional switch base assembly comprises a switch base, where a switch knob as well as a gas switch assembly and an oil line switch assembly which are controlled by the switch knob to turn on or off are mounted on the switch base, the gas switch assembly and the oil line switch assembly are connected to a control module, and the control module is connected to a storage battery and an ignition coil. The present disclosure has the advantages of high safety, stable switching and the like.