Actuating Unit Spring-Loaded Bearing Snap Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing actuating plate production process for flushing devices is inefficient due to the time-consuming and difficult-to-monitor hot riveting process, which complicates the connection between the bearing plate and the actuating element.

Innovation Solution

An actuating unit with a spring-loaded bearing element connected via a positive or non-positive mechanical snap connection, eliminating the need for thermal effects and allowing for easier and more efficient assembly, while maintaining the longevity of the spring-loaded connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If hot riveting process is used to connect bearing plate and actuating element, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing time increases and process monitoring becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal hot riveting process with a mechanical snap connection system. The bearing element features a snap connection element that mechanically engages with the bearing plate through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for thermal heating and melting processes. This mechanical substitution reduces manufacturing time while maintaining connection strength through the elastic retention force of the bearing element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from thermal (hot riveting temperature) to mechanical (elastic deformation force). The bearing element is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform during insertion and retain the connection through its elastic recovery force, fundamentally changing the physical parameter used to achieve and maintain the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If hot riveting process is used to connect bearing plate and actuating element, then connection durability is improved, but process monitoring difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidprocess monitoring difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the difficult-to-monitor thermal hot riveting process with a mechanical snap connection that can be easily detected and verified. The snap connection element's engagement with the bearing plate creates a distinct mechanical state that is simple to monitor, eliminating the complexity of monitoring thermal processes and melting behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If hot riveting process is used, then connection reliability is improved, but material deformation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the thermal hot riveting process with a mechanical snap connection that avoids thermal influence on the bearing plate and actuating element. The bearing element uses elastic deformation rather than thermal melting, eliminating the harmful thermal effects that cause material deformation while maintaining connection reliability through the elastic retention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies the production process, reduces material deformation risks, and ensures a stable and efficient connection between the bearing plate and the actuating element, facilitating easier assembly and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

The bearing element is connected at at least one of its two ends to the bearing plate and/or the actuating element via a positive-locking and/or force-locking connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3192931B1Actuating unit
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3192931B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3192931B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3192931B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An actuating unit (1) for actuating a flushing device comprises a bearing plate (2), at least one actuating element (3) movable relative to the bearing plate (2), and at least one spring-loaded bearing element (4) which is connected at a first end (5) to the bearing plate (2) and at a second end (6) to the at least one actuating element (3). The bearing element (4) is connected at at least one of its two ends (5, 6) to the bearing plate (2) and/or the actuating element (3) via a positive-locking and/or force-locking connection.