Adjustable Throttle Element for Sanitary Conduit Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water closet bowl flushing systems lack the ability to finely adjust the flushing water flow, limiting the precision of water flow throttling.

Innovation Solution

A line piece arrangement with a throttle element that includes fixed throttle webs and adjustable closure elements, allowing for incremental increases in throttling resistance by inserting closure elements between throttle webs, which can be broken or arranged in specific configurations to achieve desired flow control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a simple insert with channel and exit ports is used (DE 31 28 525), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but fine adjustment of flushing water flow is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow adjustment precisionVSAvoidthrottle element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The throttle element is segmented into multiple closure elements (first closure element, second closure element, etc.) that can be individually removed or retained. Each closure element corresponds to a specific throttling level, allowing incremental adjustment of water flow by selectively removing segments rather than requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure elements are pre-configured in specific positions within the throttle element during manufacturing. The installer can directly remove the desired number of closure elements to achieve the required throttling level without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or preliminary calibration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If an inner part that can be pushed into the insert is used to adjust outlet cross-section, then some flow adjustment is possible, but fine adjustment in small steps is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow adjustment precisionVSAvoidthrottle adjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single movable inner part, the throttle element is divided into multiple discrete closure elements that can be independently removed. This segmentation enables fine adjustment in small, predetermined steps by removing individual closure elements rather than requiring continuous positioning of a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily removed and discarded. Each closure element represents a discrete throttling level, and the system allows incremental adjustment by removing these simple components rather than requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple closure elements are connected via predetermined breaking point, then the installer can break off the desired number for customization, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrottling level selectionVSAvoidclosure element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure elements are connected via predetermined breaking points that allow easy separation. This segmentation enables the installer to customize the throttling level by breaking off the desired number of closure elements from the chain, providing adaptability without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure elements are pre-connected in a chain configuration with predetermined breaking points during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement allows the installer to easily customize the throttling level by simply breaking off the required number of elements rather than requiring complex selection and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3228765B1Conduit piece assembly
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3228765B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3228765B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3228765B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A pipe assembly (1) for a sanitary article comprises a pipe section (2) extending along a central axis (M) with a wall (3) and with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and a throttling element (6) arranged in the pipe section (2) by which the cross-section of the pipe section (2) can be changed. The throttling element (6) comprises at least one throttling rib (7) fixedly arranged in the pipe section (2), wherein the at least one throttling rib (7) projects into the cross-section of the pipe section (2). Furthermore, the throttling element (6) comprises at least one closure element (8, 9) which can be arranged in contact with the at least one throttling rib (7) in the pipe section to increase the throttling.