Valve Shutter Indicating Unit for Precise Gas Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve shutters have a narrow range of indicated opening angles, making it difficult to accurately control gas supply amounts.
Innovation Solution
The valve shutter includes an indicating unit, a first rotating unit, a second rotating unit, a holding pin, a limit plate, and a stopper, which allow for a wider range of opening angles to be indicated and controlled, enabling precise gas supply management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional indicating unit is used, then the structure is simple, but the range of indicated opening angles is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested rotating units where the second rotating unit is disposed inside the first rotating unit, and the indicating unit is disposed inside the second rotating unit. This nested configuration allows multiple rotation levels to be integrated in a compact structure, enabling a wide range of opening angle indication (0-720 degrees) without proportionally increasing the overall device size or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication mechanism is segmented into multiple rotating units with distinct functions. The first rotating unit handles coarse rotation (0-360 degrees), while the second rotating unit handles fine rotation (0-360 degrees within the first unit's range). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, achieving a wide total range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If the opening angle range is extended, then gas supply control precision is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested rotating units enable precise measurement of opening angles up to 720 degrees by combining two 360-degree rotation levels. The indicating unit rotates with both levels, providing continuous and precise indication throughout the extended range. This nesting approach achieves high measurement precision without requiring a completely separate mechanism for each rotation level, thus controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating unit serves multiple functions: it indicates the opening angle throughout the full 720-degree range, it rotates synchronously with both rotating units, and it provides continuous visual feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving precise gas supply control while minimizing mechanism complexity through versatile design.
3Measurement precision
If multiple rotating units are added, then the opening angle indication accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation control of both rotating units into a single integrated mechanism operated by one handle. When the handle rotates, it simultaneously drives the first rotating unit and, through gear engagement, the second rotating unit. This unified operation maintains ease of use despite the increased precision capability provided by multiple rotating levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The single handle operates multiple functions: it rotates the first rotating unit for coarse angle adjustment and simultaneously drives the second rotating unit for fine angle adjustment. This multi-functional handle design maintains operational simplicity while enabling precise opening angle indication through the combined action of both rotating units.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve shutter including an indicating unit configured to indicate opening angles of a valve of gas tank, the value coupled to the indicating unit, a first rotating unit configured to rotate the indicating unit up to a maximum opening angle of the valve, a second rotating unit configured to selectively interlock with the first rotating unit, a holding pin configured to be rotated by the second rotating unit, a shutting unit configured to prevent a rotation of the holding pin, a limit plate configured to be selectively rotated by the first rotating unit in a closing direction and an opening direction of the valve, and a stopper configured to restrict a rotation of the limit plate in the closing direction of the valve may be provided.