Actuating Device for Flushing Cistern Drain Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for pneumatically adjustable discharge valves in cisterns require two push buttons to trigger full or partial flushing processes, which is inefficient and costly to produce, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
The actuating device incorporates a pressure transducer with a bellows design and two push buttons, where one button allows partial compression for partial flushing and the other for full flushing, utilizing a tubular pressure tappet and a helical spring for different pneumatic manipulated variables, and a ring-shaped holding body for secure attachment to various cistern covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two push buttons are provided for full and partial flushing, then the flushing functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single push button is segmented into two functionally distinct buttons: a first push button for full flushing and a second push button for partial flushing. Each button is associated with a separate push rod that can independently compress the bellows to different extents, enabling differentiated flushing operations without requiring a complex multi-component valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device achieves multi-functionality through a unified bellows-based pressure transducer that responds to different compression levels. The same bellows structure serves both full flushing and partial flushing functions, allowing a single pressure-sensitive component to handle multiple operational modes, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatile functionality.
2Device complexity
If a single push button is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different flushing processes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The two push buttons are designed with different structural characteristics: the first push button has a longer push rod for full compression of the bellows, while the second push button has a shorter push rod for partial compression. This local differentiation in button design enables distinct functional outcomes (full vs. partial flushing) while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the form of different compression levels of the bellows to achieve different flushing modes. By varying the degree of compression (parameter) applied to the bellows through different push buttons, the system generates different pneumatic manipulated variables that control the discharge valve for either full or partial flushing, thereby achieving adaptability through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.
3Productivity
If different compression levels of the bellows are used for partial and full flushing, then the flushing efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs partial action by designing the second push button to compress the bellows only to a certain extent (partial compression) rather than full compression. This partial compression is sufficient to generate the pneumatic pressure needed for partial flushing, avoiding the need for precise full-compression positioning while still achieving the desired flushing efficiency through controlled, sufficient-but-not-excessive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The push rods are designed with different lengths to dynamically provide different compression levels to the bellows based on which button is pressed. This dynamic differentiation allows the system to adapt its compression level in real-time based on user input, achieving efficient partial and full flushing without requiring complex precision control mechanisms, as the dynamics of the push rod-bellows interaction naturally provides the needed variation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device has a pressure transducer (20) at the face is cleared away from the key (28,28a) and carries a tube end (200). A constriction (210) of the housing (21) has a connection (211) for the line (4) being axially limited relocatable. At the outer casing of the tube end a ring-like seal is provided which cooperates as a closing link with the housing valve seat (212).