Air-Actuated Toilet Flush Controller for Retrofit Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of converting traditional toilets into smart toilets, especially due to the need for significant construction effort and varying manual flushing designs, hinder the widespread adoption of automatic sensory flushing systems.
Innovation Solution
A versatile control device for manual and automatic double flushing, comprising a manual control panel, an automatic control board, and an air pump, which integrates with existing drain valves through air lines, allowing flexible installation and operation without requiring a complete replacement of the toilet system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complete conversion to a smart toilet is performed, then an automatic sensory flush function is realized, but the costs are high and construction work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the automatic flush control functionality from a complete smart toilet system and implements it as a separate, standalone control module that can be installed on existing conventional toilets. This allows the automatic sensory flush function to be added without replacing the entire toilet system, thereby reducing conversion complexity and costs while maintaining the desired automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with universal compatibility to work with various types of conventional toilets and cisterns. It can be installed on different toilet models without requiring custom modifications, making the automatic flush function accessible to a wide range of existing toilet systems while avoiding the need for complete system replacement
2Adaptability or versatility
If various toilet models are available on the market, then users have choices, but the designs for manual flushing vary making conversion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control module employs a universal mounting design that can accommodate different toilet models and manual flush button configurations. It includes adaptable connection interfaces and flexible installation options that work with various cistern types, enabling easy conversion across multiple toilet designs without requiring model-specific customization
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into modular components including a separate control board, air pump, and mounting housing that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows each component to be adapted to different toilet configurations while maintaining overall system functionality, simplifying the conversion process for various toilet models
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device for manual and automatic double flushing and comprises a manual control unit, an automatic control board 20, and an air pump 30. The manual control unit has a flush button, which is connected to a drain valve. The automatic control board 20 is connected to the air pump 30, which is connected to the drain valve. The control device further comprises a control housing 40, and the automatic control board 20 and the air pump 30 are arranged in the control housing 40. An air inlet of the control housing 40 is connected to the flush button of the manual control unit via a first air line 50. An air outlet of the control housing 40 is connected to the drain valve via a second air line 60.When the flush button is pressed manually, air flows under manual pressure through the first air line 50 and via the second air line 60 into the drain valve to initiate the water flow. When the air pump 30 is activated, air flows through the second air line 60 into the drain valve to initiate the water flow. The automatic control board 20 and the air pump 30 are housed in the control unit 40, which, together with the manual control unit, allows for the combination of automatic and manual flushing without necessarily requiring a smart toilet seat. Furthermore, the mounting position of the control unit 40 is flexibly adjustable due to its design, thus providing excellent adaptability.