WC Cistern Injector for Backflow-Protected Bidet Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing WC cisterns require a separate and complex water installation for shower fittings, which is costly and complicated, and lack a reliable backflow prevention mechanism for hygiene purposes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an injector within the WC cistern above the switch-off level with an outflow-side outlet that serves as an additional water connection, featuring a free jet section for backflow prevention and a valve for control, allowing for a compact design and independent operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate water connection is provided for shower fitting, then hygiene purposes are fulfilled, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shower fitting water connection with the WC cistern's existing water supply system. The injector is integrated into the cistern's water tank, utilizing the same fresh water intake to provide both WC flushing and shower functions through a single water connection, thereby eliminating the need for separate sanitary installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The injector serves multiple functions: it provides water pressure for the shower fitting, prevents backflow into the fresh water intake, and enables both WC flushing and hygiene purposes through a single water connection system, making the system universally applicable for multiple uses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate water connection is provided for shower fitting, then hygiene purposes are fulfilled, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene functionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shower water supply with the WC cistern's existing water connection, eliminating the need for additional piping, valves, and installation work. The injector utilizes the existing fresh water intake, thereby reducing material costs and installation expenses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If injector is arranged above maximum filling level, then backflow prevention is ensured, but risk of injector filling with water increases if switch-off device is defective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidwater accumulation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the injector above the maximum filling level to prevent backflow into the fresh water intake. The free jet section is designed to protrude upward, creating a physical barrier that prevents waste water from being sucked back into the intake during venting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The free jet section acts as an intermediary element between the water tank and the fresh water intake. It provides a separation mechanism that allows water to flow freely while preventing direct connection between the waste water system and the fresh water intake, thereby maintaining backflow protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of moving object

If free jet section is oriented horizontally, then compact design is achieved, but backflow prevention effectiveness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall heightVSAvoidbackflow prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation of the free jet section, changing the dimension in which backflow prevention is achieved. The horizontal free jet section creates a physical separation in the horizontal plane, preventing backflow through a different spatial mechanism while maintaining compact vertical dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Provides a cost-effective, compact, and backflow-protected additional water connection for hygiene purposes without the need for extensive sanitary installations, ensuring water pressure and preventing waste water backflow into the intake.

Implementation Method 1

A further advantage of the injector consists in that it virtually provides the water pressure of the intake at the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInjector effect: Injector

Implementation Method 2

The separation and therefore the backflow of the outlet from the intake is therefore ensured by said free jet section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree jet separation: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS11761187B2Toilet cistern with bidet spray head and injector, and use thereof

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 NEOPERL GMBH

AI summary

A WC cistern (1) with a wall (2) which forms a substantially cuboidal water tank (3). An intake (5) with which the water tank (3) can be filled is guided through the wall (2). A shutoff valve (7) is arranged in the intake (5), the shutoff valve interacting with a switch-off device (8) which triggers the shutoff valve (7) when a switch-off level (14) in the water tank (3) is reached. An injector (15) is arranged in the water tank (3) in a construction space (13) above the switch-off level (14). The outflow-side outlet (16) of the injector (15) is led out of the water tank (3).