Automatic Flushing Mechanism with Intermittent Motion Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic flush actuating mechanisms in toilets suffer from water leakage due to the circular motion of turntables causing oblique force angles and slow closure speeds, which prevent rapid and tight closure of the flush valve.
Innovation Solution
An automatic flushing mechanism utilizing an intermittent motion gear and pendulum rod system, where the intermittent motion gear rotates to lift and then separate from a curved rack, allowing the pendulum rod to rapidly drop and close the flush valve, mimicking manual operation and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a turntable with circular motion is used to actuate the flush valve, then the automatic flushing mechanism can be simplified, but the closure speed becomes slow and water leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static circular motion of the turntable into a dynamic reciprocating motion through the pendulum rod mechanism. The pendulum rod swings back and forth, converting rotational motion into linear up-and-down motion of the flush valve, enabling rapid closure that mimics manual operation while maintaining automatic actuation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic reciprocating motion through the oscillating pendulum rod that moves the flush valve up and down in a periodic manner. This periodic action allows the valve to be rapidly opened and closed multiple times during each rotation cycle, achieving fast closure speeds while maintaining the simplicity of automatic continuous rotation actuation
2Extent of automation
If a turntable with circular motion is used to actuate the flush valve, then the mechanism can operate automatically, but the force angle becomes oblique and closure effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the pendulum rod as an intermediary mechanism between the turntable and the flush valve. This intermediary converts the oblique circular force from the turntable into vertical linear force that acts directly on the flush valve, ensuring the force is applied in the correct direction for tight closure while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dynamic oscillating motion of the pendulum rod to transform the continuous circular motion into periodic linear motion. This dynamic transformation ensures that the force is applied vertically to the flush valve during closure, improving closure effectiveness and preventing water leakage while maintaining automatic operation
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 mechanism ensures rapid and complete closure of the flush valve, reducing water leakage and simulating the functionality of a manually-operated handle, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the flushing process.
Implementation Method 1
the intermittent motion gear rotates to lift and then separate from a curved rack, allowing the pendulum rod to rapidly drop and close the flush valve
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic flushing mechanism includes an electronic control box containing a motor and an intermittent motion gear coupled to a rotation shaft of the motor. The intermittent motion gear is configured to rotate when the motor is operated. The intermittent motion gear includes a toothed portion including a plurality of gear teeth. The automatic flushing mechanism includes an intermittent motion pendulum rod including a first end pivotally attached to the electronic control box via a rotation shaft, a second end coupled to a flush valve, and a curved rack including a plurality of rack teeth which mesh with the gear teeth of the intermittent motion gear. Rotation of the intermittent motion gear causes the curved rack to be lifted upward, thereby rotating the intermittent motion pendulum rod about the rotation shaft and lifting the flush valve.