Actuating Unit With Angled Spring Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation devices for flushing valves, such as those using leaf springs, are bulky and require significant space, limiting their compactness and efficiency in resetting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An actuation unit with a bearing plate, a pivotably connected actuating element, and a restoring element with a spring section and bearing section arranged at specific angles, allowing for compact arrangement and efficient resetting without a fixed connection between the effective area and surface, utilizing spring steel for the restoring element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If leaf springs are used for resetting the actuating button, then quick and reliable return is achieved, but the device takes up a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The return element is divided into a bearing section and a spring section, allowing the spring to be positioned separately from the actuating elements. This segmentation enables a more compact overall arrangement while maintaining the resetting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring section protrudes from the bearing plate at an angle β (preferably 90°) relative to the plate surface, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This angular arrangement reduces the footprint on the plate surface compared to conventional flat leaf spring arrangements.
2Volume of stationary object
If the spring section protrudes at an angle from the bearing plate, then compact arrangement is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing section and spring section are merged into a single return element that can be firmly mounted to the bearing plate. This integration reduces the number of separate components while achieving the compact angular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring section is designed with specific geometric parameters (angle β, length, thickness) that optimize both compactness and functionality. The angled protrusion configuration allows space-efficient arrangement while the spring steel material provides the necessary elastic properties.
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 reduces the required volume and enables efficient resetting by allowing the actuating element to be moved back into its starting position through elastic deformation in the transition area, maintaining compactness and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic deformation during actuation occurs primarily in the transition zone
Implementation Method 2
The spring section is designed as a spring tab, which undergoes a bending action upon actuation. The bending occurs in a spring-elastic manner, with the spring section returning to its original position after the force is removed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating unit (1) for actuating a flushing valve comprises a bearing plate (2), at least one actuating element (3) movable relative to the bearing plate (2) with a front surface (4) and a rear surface (5) and with at least one working surface (6) oriented at an angle (a, alpha) to the front surface (4) and/or to the rear surface (5), and at least one return element (7) acting on the actuating element (3) via the working surface (6), with which the at least one actuating element (3) can be moved back to a starting position after actuation, wherein the at least one actuating element (3) is pivotably connected to the bearing plate (2) via at least one hinge (8), wherein the return element (7) has a bearing section (9) and a spring section (10), wherein the bearing plate (2) has a bearing receptacle (12) on its rear side (11).in which the return element (7) is fixedly mounted with the bearing section (9), and wherein the spring section (10) with an effective area (13) is inclined at an angle (β, beta) to the rear (11) of the bearing plate (2) and acts on the effective surface (6) of the actuating element (3).