Cistern Cover Plate with Hinge for Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cistern designs with flush-mounted drain valves and actuators are difficult to access and maintain, especially after wall surface completion, as the actuators are often hidden and require complex reassembly, which complicates maintenance and introduces the risk of interrupted connections during reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A cistern design featuring a pivotally connected cover plate with a hinge mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing, independent of the drain valve's operation, enabling maintenance without interrupting the actuator connection, and incorporating a four-joint gear hinge for concealed operation, allowing for 120° pivotal movement without visible external hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If actuators are hidden behind wall surfaces or cover plates, then vandal safety and aesthetic appearance are improved, but accessibility for maintenance and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to be easily opened for maintenance while remaining closed during normal use for security and aesthetics. The hinge mechanism enables dynamic access without requiring removal or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate is separated from the main cistern structure as a distinct, removable component. This segmentation allows the cover plate to be independently opened for maintenance while the rest of the cistern remains intact and secure.
2Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to secure cover plates, then security and stability are improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge provides a simple, reliable connection that allows the cover plate to be securely attached yet easily opened. This dynamic connection eliminates complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining both security and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element between the cover plate and cistern, providing a simple mechanical connection that achieves both security and ease of assembly without requiring complex fastening systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover plate is made fixed and secure, then vandal resistance is improved, but accessibility for introducing cleaning agents and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate transitions from a fixed state during normal use to an open state during maintenance. The hinge mechanism enables this dynamic behavior, providing both security and accessibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate serves multiple functions: it provides security and aesthetics during normal use, and enables easy access for maintenance and cleaning agent introduction when opened. The hinge mechanism makes this multi-functionality possible.
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
Facilitates improved accessibility and maintenance of the cistern's interior and drain valve systems, ensuring uninterrupted operation and simplifying the introduction of cleaning agents, while maintaining vandal safety and eliminating the need for expert expertise during maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
The cover plate (4) is pivotally connected by means of a hinge (9) and thus inextricably connected to the frame (2) on the revision opening (11)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a four-joint gear hinge for concealed operation, allowing for 120° pivotal movement without visible external hinges
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The cistern (1) has a box body for accommodation of rinse water, and a frame (2) arranged in a region of the box body. A cover plate (4) is electrically or mechanically controlled, and a hinge (9) is attachably covered, where the cover plate is fastened to an additional holding frame. The cover plate is pivotably attached to the frame of a maintenance opening (11) by the holding frame. A key button or an actuating device is connected with a control element of a drain valve by a line (7) such that operability of the drain valve is independent of a swiveling position of the cover plate.