Actuating Unit Decoupling for Flush Valve Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation units for flush valves in cisterns face issues with distortion during assembly, leading to misalignment and increased actuation force due to direct mounting of actuation keys on the key frame, affecting reliable functionality.
Innovation Solution
An actuation unit design featuring a support element with a bearing holder and a functional unit, where the actuation plate and lever are decoupled, allowing the support element to be adaptable and the functional unit to provide rigid support for reliable flush triggering, with a bearing element having greater rigidity and reinforcing ribs for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuating buttons are directly mounted on the button frame, then the structure is simple, but the key frame can warp during assembly causing misalignment and increased actuation force
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent parts: a support element for mounting and a functional unit for actuation. The functional unit is inserted into a bearing receptacle on the support element, allowing independent optimization of each part. This segmentation prevents warping issues from affecting alignment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing receptacle acts as an intermediary between the support element and the functional unit. It provides a precise mounting interface that accommodates the functional unit while maintaining alignment, eliminating the direct mounting problem that causes warping and misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support element is made rigid, then alignment is maintained, but it cannot compensate for assembly tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the device have different rigidity characteristics. The support element is made slightly elastic to compensate for assembly tolerances, while the functional unit is made as rigid as possible to maintain precise alignment and support moving parts. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between adaptability and precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the functional unit is made flexible, then assembly tolerance compensation is improved, but support for moving parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a support element that provides flexibility for tolerance compensation and a functional unit that provides rigid support for moving parts. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional unit is designed with high rigidity locally where it supports moving parts, while the support element maintains slight elasticity for overall assembly tolerance compensation. This local quality differentiation ensures both adaptability and reliable support.
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating unit (1) for actuating a flush valve in a cistern comprises a support element (2) with at least one fastening element (3) for fastening the support element (2) and with a bearing receptacle (4), a functional unit (5) insertable into the bearing receptacle (4) with a bearing element (6) and with at least one actuating lever (7) mounted on the bearing element (6) for actuating a push rod (8) acting on the flush valve, and at least one actuating plate (9), wherein the at least one actuating plate (9) is pivotably mounted on the functional unit (5) about a pivot axis (S) from an initial position to a flushing position via at least one pivot bearing point (10), and wherein the at least one actuating plate (9) acts with its rear side (11) on the at least one actuating lever (7) and pivots it towards the support element (2) when moving from the initial position to the flushing position, such thatthat the push rod (8) can be operated.