Actuating Plate Fixing Frame Light Guide Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for sanitary installations, such as drain valves, face issues with undesirable light emission into living or sleeping areas and lack adaptability for combination with existing actuation plates, while also not providing effective orientation in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A fastening frame with a flange or light guide featuring a shielding and reflection film to direct light emitted by a lamp, which can be homogenized and emitted along the circumference, allowing for stylish and non-glaring lighting, and optionally incorporating a sensor for demand-controlled lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is integrated directly into the operating element, then illumination is provided, but light emissions occur in living and sleeping areas when the bathroom door is open
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the operating element and relocated to the mounting frame's flange. The flange serves as a carrier for the light source, separating the illumination function from the operating element. This allows the light to be directed toward the wall and diffused through the light guide without direct exposure into the bathroom space, eliminating unwanted light emissions while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the surrounding space. The light guide diffuses the light emitted by the source, transforming direct light into softened, indirect illumination. This intermediary element prevents direct light exposure into living and sleeping areas while still providing effective orientation lighting in the bathroom.
2Illumination intensity
If a light guide is used to direct light, then light can be guided toward the cover plate, but the control is not tailored to user needs and causes unwanted light emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is made dynamic through the integration of a sensor that automatically detects user presence and adjusts light emission accordingly. The light source switches between active and inactive states based on real-time sensor input, allowing the system to adapt to varying user needs and prevent unwanted light emissions when the bathroom is unoccupied.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor provides feedback about user presence to the lighting control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust its operation - turning on light when a user is detected and turning off when no user is present - thereby tailoring the control to actual user needs and eliminating unnecessary light emissions.
3Illumination intensity
If the flange is designed as a light guide, then light can be homogenized and emitted along the circumference, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mounting structure for securing the actuating device to the wall and as a light guide for distributing illumination. By integrating the light guide function into the existing flange structure, the patent avoids adding separate components, thereby achieving homogenized circumferential light emission without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame and light guide functions are merged into a single integrated flange structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting and lighting components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired homogenized light emission along the flange's circumference.
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
Provides space-saving, cost-effective integrated lighting that enhances visibility of the flush plate in dark conditions without direct illumination, offering pleasant ambient lighting and orientation, while being adaptable for use with existing installations and allowing for customizable light intensity and color.
Implementation Method 1
the shielding and reflection film has a reflective side facing the at least one illuminant
Implementation Method 2
the flange is designed as a light guide or is provided with a light guide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting frame (1) for an actuating plate for actuating a valve of a sanitary installation, in particular a flush valve of a concealed cistern, comprising a flange (3) and a collar-shaped section (1.1), wherein the flange (3) or the collar-shaped section (1.1) has mounting recesses, preferably mounting holes (1.2), characterized in that the flange (3) is designed as a light guide or is provided with a light guide, wherein the flange is provided with at least one light source (4). Furthermore, an actuating device for a valve of a sanitary installation, in particular for a flush valve of a concealed cistern, comprising such a mounting frame (1) and an actuating plate, is claimed.