Cistern Actuator Button Mounting Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for drain valves in cisterns are difficult to manufacture and assemble, require precise positioning, and can malfunction due to button catchment issues.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a mounting frame and a directly connected, pivotable actuation button that eliminates the need for a separate cover plate, allowing for simpler production and installation, and featuring a bearing system with spring-loaded and rigid elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buttons are mounted in a separate cover plate, then button positioning and operation are facilitated, but manufacturing complexity and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button mounting function directly into the installation frame by providing receiving elements (recesses or bearing points) integrated into the frame structure. This eliminates the need for a separate cover plate, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of button operation. The receiving elements are designed to directly hold the buttons in the correct positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate cover plate is used for button mounting, then button positioning is improved, but assembly time and production effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation frame integrates receiving elements directly into its structure, allowing buttons to be mounted directly during the main assembly process. This eliminates the need for a separate cover plate assembly step, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining precise button positioning through the integrated receiving elements.
3Ease of operation
If buttons are mounted in a cover plate, then operation is enabled, but button catchment and malfunction risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the button mounting function from a separate cover plate and integrates it directly into the installation frame. This eliminates the interface between cover plate and buttons where catchment could occur. The receiving elements in the frame provide direct, secure mounting that prevents button catchment and improves operational reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If material is used for a cover plate, then button mounting is enabled, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation frame is designed to include receiving elements that directly mount buttons, eliminating the need for a separate cover plate. This merging of functions reduces material consumption while maintaining the button mounting capability, as the frame material serves dual purposes: structural support and button mounting.
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 solution simplifies manufacturing and assembly, enhances operational safety by preventing button catchment, and provides a visually appealing, easy-to-clean design while enabling dual-flush functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing element is designed to be sprung with a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating device (1) for a flush valve of a cistern comprises a mounting frame (2), an actuating button (3), and at least one actuator element (4) for actuating the flush valve in the cistern, which actuator element (4) can be actuated by the actuating button (3). The actuating button (3) is designed to be movable, in particular pivotable, from a starting position to an end position relative to the mounting frame (2) when the flush is triggered. The actuating button (3) is mounted directly and immediately on the mounting frame (2).