Automatic Toilet Drain Valve Actuation With Water-Protected Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing toilet drainage systems in smart toilets have complex structures, high maintenance costs, and poor stability due to electrically controlled components that fail when soaked in water.
Innovation Solution
An automatic driving unit for a toilet drain valve, comprising a valve casing, valve trim, slider, and a driving component that directly integrates onto the drain valve, using a movable member and driving component to control the valve trim without manual operation, with a sealed housing to protect components from water interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrically controlled components are used in the drain valve, then automatic drainage function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical control components from the water tank environment and places them outside the valve assembly. The drain valve uses a simple mechanical structure with a valve body, valve seat, and operating mechanism that can be controlled externally without requiring complex electrical components to be soaked in water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with a simpler mechanical control mechanism. The drain valve uses a mechanical valve body and valve seat arrangement that can be operated through direct mechanical actuation rather than requiring sophisticated electrical components submerged in water.
2Extent of automation
If electrically controlled components are soaked in water, then automatic drainage is enabled, but the components have high failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive electrical components from the water-filled environment and positions them externally. The valve assembly itself is designed as a simple mechanical structure that does not require electrical components to be soaked in water, thereby eliminating the reliability issue associated with water-exposed electrical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical transmission mechanism that connects the external control system to the valve operation. This mechanical intermediary allows control signals to be transmitted without requiring electrical components to be directly exposed to water, protecting sensitive parts while enabling automatic operation.
3Extent of automation
If multiple electrically controlled components are used, then automatic flushing is achieved, but maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from complex electrical components and implements it through a simple mechanical valve assembly that can be easily accessed and maintained. The valve body, valve seat, and operating mechanism are designed as discrete, serviceable parts that can be quickly replaced or repaired without requiring complex diagnostic equipment or specialized maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple mechanical valve design where the valve body and associated components can be easily replaced as a unit. This approach prioritizes cost-effective replacement over complex repair, using readily available mechanical parts that can be quickly installed to restore functionality without requiring expensive specialized components or prolonged downtime.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the drain valve is provided in the water tank, then drainage function is integrated, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drainage system into a simple mechanical valve assembly that can be independently installed and operated. The valve body, valve seat, and operating mechanism are divided into distinct components that can be assembled and disassembled easily, allowing the drainage function to be integrated without creating a complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the valve assembly from the water tank interior and positions it at the water outlet. This extraction allows the valve to perform the drainage function while being accessible for maintenance and operation, eliminating the need for complex internal mounting structures within the water tank.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an automatic driving unit for a toilet drain valve and a drain valve assembly. The automatic driving unit includes a driving component, and an execution component provided in a valve casing; the execution component includes a fixed member and a movable member provided on the fixed member; and the fixed member is fixed in the valve casing, and located between a valve trim and a slider. The automatic driving unit can be directly integrated onto the drain valve of the toilet, thus directly driving the valve trim of the drain valve. While keeping functions of the original drain valve, the automatic driving unit with such a structure for the drain valve automatically drives the valve trim and can be used conveniently. The automatic driving unit makes the toilet used more conveniently, and further has a desirable stability in use and a low maintenance cost.