Cistern Maintenance Window and Modular Frame Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cistern systems are difficult to install, adjust, and maintain, particularly due to complex designs that obscure important components, making it hard to access and service them.
Innovation Solution
The cistern system incorporates a removable upper frame bar for easy fluid connection, adjustable frame height, a quick connect system for fluid connections, and a compact integrated flush valve assembly that can be installed and serviced without tools through a maintenance window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the cistern is designed with hidden components for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of maintenance and adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cistern is divided into separate functional modules (flush valve assembly, fill valve assembly, siphon assembly) that can be independently accessed and maintained through the maintenance window, while the overall structure remains aesthetically pleasing with hidden components
Solution Approach 2:
A maintenance window acts as an intermediary access point that allows technicians to service internal components without exposing them during normal operation, thus maintaining aesthetics while enabling maintenance
2Shape
If the cistern components are concealed for aesthetic purposes, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cistern system is segmented into modular assemblies that can be pre-assembled and tested separately, then installed as complete units through the maintenance window, simplifying the installation process while maintaining aesthetic concealment
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled and pre-configured outside the cistern housing, allowing for easier installation of the complete assembly unit without requiring complex in-situ assembly operations
3Device complexity
If a compact integrated flush valve assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flush valve assembly integrates multiple functions (flush control, fill control, siphon activation) into a single compact unit with common mounting mechanisms and fluid pathways, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining functional independence through precise internal design
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a cistern system which enables maintenance, removal, or adjustment of various components through a maintenance window according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cistern system includes screen support members that cooperate with a flush valve to remove fallen components. In some embodiments, the cistern system includes a frame with an adjustable upper bar that can be removed to facilitate the installation of various components. In some embodiments, the frame includes a bar holder fastener that enables vertical leveling when the frame is secured to a wall with one or more wall mounts. In some embodiments, the frame includes adjustable frame supports that can be fixed in position by frame height adjusters when only supporting the weight of the cistern system but can be adjusted in and out of the frame by adding additional downward force to the frame.