Automatic Flush Toilet Sensor Control and Dual Valve System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flush toilets require manual operation, leading to potential neglect in flushing, which can affect the toilet environment and inconvenience subsequent users.
Innovation Solution
An automatic flush toilet system incorporating a toilet stool, water tank unit, discharge members, pipe unit, flush valve, electric switching valve, and sensor control unit, allowing for automatic flushing detection and control, with manual override capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual flushing operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of flushing function deteriorates due to user neglect
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet system automatically detects user presence via sensor and triggers flushing without requiring manual operation. The control unit activates the electric switching valve based on sensor signals, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate reliance on user memory or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical button-pressing operation with an automated sensor-control system. Optical or infrared sensors detect user presence and trigger electronic control mechanisms that operate the flushing valves, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated detection and control systems.
2Reliability
If automatic flushing system is implemented, then reliability of flushing function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing system is divided into independent functional modules: sensor units for detection, control units for processing, electric switching valves for water flow control, and manual actuating units for override capability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-valve system serves multiple functions: the electric switching valve handles automatic flushing based on sensor input, while the manual actuating unit provides emergency override capability. This multi-functionality ensures the system can operate reliably whether through automated detection or manual intervention, covering various usage scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual discharge ports are used, then adaptability of flushing system is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different flushing modes based on operational requirements. The control unit can activate either the first discharge port for standard flushing or the second discharge port for alternative flushing scenarios, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to different conditions while maintaining a unified structural design.
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
Ensures automatic and efficient flushing, maintaining a clean environment, functioning even under blackout conditions, and allowing for controlled water usage for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor control unit is disposed for controlling switching of the electric switching valve between the blocked state and the communicated state
Implementation Method 2
The electric switching valve is connected in series between the first flow-in pipe and the first connection pipe, and is switchable between a blocked state, where fluid communication between the first flow-in pipe and the first connection pipe is blocked, and a communicated state, where the first flow-in pipe and the first connection pipe are fluidly communicated with each other
Implementation Method 3
The flush valve is disposed upstream of the second flow-in pipe, and is switchable between a closed position, where fluid communication between the second flow-in pipe and the water storage space is blocked, and an open position, where the second flow-in pipe and the water storage space are fluidly communicated with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic flush toilet includes a toilet stool with a toilet bowl, a water tank unit, a first discharge member, a second discharge member, a pipe unit, a flush valve, a manual actuating unit, an electric switching valve, and a sensor control unit. The electric switching valve is controlled by the sensor control unit to permit water discharged from the first discharge member to flush the toilet bowl. The flush valve is controlled by the manual actuating unit to permit water discharged from the second discharge member to flush the toilet bowl.