Contactless Actuation Plate with Segmented Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuation plates for sanitary facilities lack the ability to specify different water volumes for flushing and often require multiple versions with different detectors and control devices, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential hygiene issues due to unnecessary double triggering and complex user operation.
Innovation Solution
An actuation plate with an electronic control device and detector that can detect the distance of a body from multiple surface sections, allowing for the selection of different operating modes to trigger specific water volumes, and includes a display device for visual guidance and a mechanism to prevent unintended flushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuation plates use a single detector and control device for all flushing scenarios, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different water volume requirements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation plate uses a single universal device with multiple surface sections (first, second, and third surface sections) that can trigger different water volumes (first, second, and third water volumes) based on which surface section is actuated. This allows one device to perform multiple flushing functions instead of requiring separate devices for each water volume option.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation plate is divided into multiple distinct surface sections (first surface section, second surface section, third surface section), each associated with different detector elements. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between user intentions and trigger appropriate water volumes without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanical emergency release is added to actuation plates for power outage scenarios, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to confusing user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical emergency release mechanism with an electronic solution. The actuation plate includes electronic detectors and control logic that can detect power outage conditions and automatically switch to an emergency flushing mode, eliminating the need for separate mechanical emergency releases and their associated operational complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation plate automatically detects power outage conditions and switches to emergency flushing mode without requiring user intervention or knowledge of manual emergency procedures. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and adapting accordingly.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detector types are used to detect different body movements for flushing prevention, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different surface sections of the actuation plate have different detector elements assigned to them, with each detector configured to detect specific body movements or positions appropriate for its location. This local differentiation allows precise detection of user intent while maintaining a unified device structure.
4Reliability
If actuation plates require precise distance detection to prevent unintended flushing, then the reliability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation plate divides its detection area into multiple surface sections, each with its own detector element. This segmentation simplifies the distance detection task by creating discrete detection zones with clear boundaries, making it easier to determine whether a body is within the intended actuation distance for each section.
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
Enables easy operation with customizable water volumes, reduces manufacturing costs by using a single actuation plate for different applications, and enhances user experience and hygiene by preventing unintended flushing and simplifying user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The detector is designed as an infrared detector, which sends a detection signal to the control unit of the actuator plate as soon as it detects a body within a certain distance range. An active infrared detector is usually used for this purpose, comprising at least one light-emitting diode for emitting infrared light and at least one photodiode for receiving infrared light
Implementation Method 2
the infrared light is preferably emitted in pulses and the distance is determined by measuring the time of flight
Implementation Method 3
An active infrared detector is usually used for this purpose, comprising at least one light-emitting diode for emitting infrared light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating plate 1 for triggering at least one flushing valve of a sanitary installation, the actuating plate 1 comprising an electronic control device, a lighting device and a detector for detecting a distance of a body from an actuating side A of the actuating plate 1, from which the actuating plate 1 can be actuated.The actuating side A comprises a first and a second surface section 41, 42, which are offset from each other along the actuating side A, wherein the control device is configured to detect, by means of the detector, a distance of the body to the first and to the second surface section 41, 42, wherein in a first operating mode definable in the control device the control device is configured to control the lighting device to emit light from the first and the second surface section 41, 42 and, in a rinsing-ready state, upon detection of a first distance of the body to the first surface section 41, to issue a first control command to control the rinsing valve to discharge a first volume of water and upon detection of a second distance of the body to the second surface section 42, to issue a second control command to control the rinsing valve to discharge a second volume of water.