Cistern Actuation Device Adjustable Stop Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating devices for cisterns have issues with maintaining the position of operating buttons in the starting position and lack adjustability, leading to installation challenges due to angular errors during wall mounting.

Innovation Solution

An actuating device with an adjustable stop unit comprising a stop rod and stop element, allowing for precise adjustment of the actuating element's position, featuring a stop nut with an external thread and a guide for rotational displacement, ensuring the stop unit holds the actuating element in place without unintentional movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the actuating device is installed in the wall without adjustment means, then the installation process is simpler, but angular errors during installation cannot be corrected and the operating buttons are arranged at an angle to the wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidbutton alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stop unit is designed to be adjustable during installation, allowing the actuating element to be positioned at different locations on the actuation plate. This dynamic adjustment capability enables correction of angular errors while maintaining simple installation procedures, as the adjustment can be made in-situ without complex repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop unit provides preliminary positioning of the actuating element before final installation completion. By allowing adjustment of the stop unit's position on the actuation plate, the installer can pre-align the operating buttons correctly before securing the device to the wall, preventing misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the actuating element position is fixed without adjustment capability, then the device structure is simpler, but the position cannot be corrected after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidposition maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stop unit incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows position modification during installation but maintains a fixed, reliable position once set. The adjustment feature is simple (e.g., movable stop along the actuation direction) yet provides sufficient flexibility for alignment correction while ensuring stable position maintenance during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop unit is designed as a separate, adjustable component that can be independently positioned on the actuation plate. This segmentation allows the stop unit to be adjusted to different positions without affecting the overall device structure, providing both simplicity and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the stop unit allows free movement of the actuating element, then adjustment is easier, but unintentional movement during use may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stop unit provides dynamic adjustment capability during installation but transitions to a stable, fixed position during operation. The design allows easy movement for positioning purposes while incorporating features (such as friction, detents, or simple mechanical stops) that prevent unintentional displacement once the desired position is reached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop unit is designed to counteract potential unintentional movements by providing a positive stop or locking mechanism once the actuating element is positioned. This preliminary anti-action prevents the actuating element from moving counter to the actuation direction during normal operation, ensuring position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables easy and reliable adjustment of the actuating element's position relative to the actuation plate, preventing counter-movement and ensuring precise installation, while the spring element provides reliable resetting and absorbable force.

Implementation Method 1

The stop element (13) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the stop rod (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a spring element which provides a spring force on the actuating element counter to the actuating direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2476808B1Actuation device for a cistern
Publication Date: 2014.07.23 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP2476808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2476808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2476808B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An actuating device for a flush valve of a cistern comprises an actuating plate (3) in which at least one actuating element (1, 2) for flushing is mounted, wherein the at least one actuating element (1, 2) is movable from a starting position to an end position along an actuating direction (A) during flushing. The actuating device further comprises at least one stop unit (5) which provides a stop for the movement of the at least one actuating element (1, 2) when the actuating element (1, 2) is automatically moved back from the end position to the starting position.