Tiltable Operating Pin Switching Device for Sanitary Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary shut-off and changeover valves lack alternative switching functionality and are often complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary shut-off or diverter valve with a switching device featuring a tiltable operating pin that converts tilting movements into translational movements of a switching element, utilizing a spring holder for resilient restoring force and a link guide with cam surfaces for mechanical stability and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional switching device with rotary knob or push button is used, then the valve can be operated, but the manufacturing complexity increases and alternative switching functionality is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is divided into functionally independent components: a tiltable operating pin for user input, a transmission unit with cam guide for motion conversion, and a switching element for valve control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while providing versatile switching functionality through the tiltable pin mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The operating pin is designed to be tiltably movable between two end positions rather than fixed in a single position. This dynamic capability allows the pin to convert tilting movements into translational movements of the switching element, enabling alternative switching functionality (toggle/rocker operation) without requiring multiple separate control mechanisms, thus avoiding increased manufacturing complexity
2Ease of operation
If a tiltable operating pin with cam guide is used, then switching functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam guide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tiltable operating pin and the switching element. It receives the tilting motion from the pin and automatically converts it into the required translational motion of the switching element. This intermediary component simplifies the overall operation for the user while containing the mechanical complexity within a single integrated transmission unit that can be manufactured as one piece
Solution Approach 2:
The cam guide incorporates curved cam surfaces that geometrically transform the rotational/tilting component of the pin's motion into linear translational motion of the switching element. This curved surface geometry provides smooth, reliable motion conversion with inherent mechanical advantage, improving ease of operation while the entire cam guide structure can be produced as a single molded or machined component, limiting the increase in device complexity
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 provides a compact, easily manufacturable switching device with advantageous switching functionality, allowing for efficient operation of sanitary shut-off or diverter valves using a toggle or rocker switch-like mechanism, ensuring reliable and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a return element which exerts a return force on the switching element in the direction of the initial position; a spring holder which holds the switching element in a spring-elastic manner
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~11
Figure 12~14
AI summary
1. Switching device and sanitary shut-off valve. 2.1. The invention relates to a switching device comprising a switching housing body (4), a switching element (5) which is held translationally movable on the switching housing body in a switching direction (TS) from an initial position to a switching position, a return element (6) which exerts a return force on the switching element in the direction of the initial position, and an operating element as a user interface which is held on the switching housing body, as well as to a sanitary shut-off valve equipped with such a switching device. 2.2. In the switching device according to the invention, an operating pin (7) is held tiltably movable in a tilting plane parallel to the switching direction of the switching element between two end positions.A transmission unit (8) is arranged between the switching element and the operating pin and comprises a cam guide (9) which converts the tilting movement of the operating pin into the translational movement of the switching element, wherein the switching position of the switching element corresponds to an intermediate position of the operating pin between its two end positions. 2.3. Use e.g. for shut-off valves in sanitary fittings.