Rotary Push Valve Catch Layout for Smooth Detent Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valves lack optimal design for combining push-to-press and rotary actuation, leading to suboptimal operating characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The control cam and detent are designed separately, allowing for spatial separation of functions, enabling independent selection of materials and shapes for each actuation type, with a locking mechanism that includes spring-mounted locking projections for smooth operation and ergonomic actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the control cam and detent are integrated into a single component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating characteristics and ease of operation deteriorate due to inability to optimize each function independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidoperating characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adjusting element into functionally separate components: a control cam for defining the actuating path and a detent for providing stepped positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving operating characteristics while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the detent is positioned within the axial area occupied by the holding part, then the axial length is reduced, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to manufacturing constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial lengthVSAvoidmanufacturability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the detent in the radial direction within the holding part's axial area, utilizing unused radial space rather than extending the axial length. This dimensional repositioning reduces the overall axial length while avoiding manufacturing difficulties, as the detent can be formed radially within the holding part's structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If spring-mounted locking projections are used, then the ease of operation improves due to smooth locking, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoothness of locking mechanismVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the spring-mounted locking projections directly into the detent structure, merging the spring mechanism with the locking element. This combination provides smooth, cushioned locking action while avoiding the need for separate spring components and mounting structures, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4493846B1Valve
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP4493846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4493846B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4493846B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The invention proposes producing a catch (9) for a valve (1), said catch subdividing an adjustment path (10) of a rotational movement of an adjusting element (7). The adjustment element (7) is designed to change an actuation path (6) of an actuation element (5) via a control cam (12), and the actuation element (5) is designed to manually and linearly actuate the valve (1), wherein the control cam (12) and the catch (9) are formed separately from each other.