Toilet Cistern Filling Valve With Top-Access Diaphragm Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling valves for toilet cisterns are difficult to maintain due to the complexity of replacing the diaphragm element in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A filling valve design with a horizontally arranged diaphragm and accessible cover allows for easy replacement of the diaphragm by inserting it from above, eliminating the need for tedious side insertion and incorporating a swivel lock for easy removal, along with a two-part cover for manufacturing advantages and noise reduction features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diaphragm is arranged in a conventional vertical position within the housing, then the valve structure is compact, but the diaphragm replacement becomes difficult and time-consuming in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical arrangement of the diaphragm to a horizontal arrangement. This inversion allows the diaphragm to be accessed and replaced from the top of the housing rather than from the side, significantly simplifying maintenance operations in confined spaces and reducing the time required for diaphragm replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the diaphragm arrangement from vertical to horizontal. This dimensional change repositions the diaphragm in a plane that is more accessible from above, allowing maintenance personnel to easily reach and replace the diaphragm without having to work in difficult-to-access side positions within the cistern.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cover is made as a single piece, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the noise reduction and manufacturing advantages are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover into two separate parts: a first cover part and a second cover part. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific functions - the first cover part can be designed for noise reduction while the second cover part can be optimized for manufacturing. The segmented design also enables easier assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different design qualities to different parts of the cover. The first cover part is specifically designed with noise reduction features, while the second cover part may have different manufacturing characteristics. This local differentiation allows the cover as a whole to achieve both noise reduction and manufacturing efficiency without requiring a complete redesign.
3Reliability
If the diaphragm is secured with additional securing devices, then the diaphragm mounting is more reliable, but the maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover function with the diaphragm securing function. The cover is designed to simultaneously protect internal components and secure the diaphragm in place through its natural positioning and pressing action. This merging eliminates the need for separate securing devices, maintaining reliable diaphragm mounting while reducing overall device complexity and easing maintenance procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A filling valve (1) for filling a toilet cistern comprises a housing (2), a water channel (3) arranged in the housing (2) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and an inlet valve (6) arranged in the water channel (3), wherein the inlet valve (6) comprises a valve seat (7) with a valve seat-side sealing surface (8) and a valve diaphragm (9) with a valve diaphragm-side sealing surface (10), wherein the sealing surfaces (8, 10) are located in the horizontal (H) when viewed in the installed position, wherein the valve diaphragm-side sealing surface (10) is movable in the direction of the vertical (V) from a closed position away from the valve seat-side sealing surface (8) to a release position, wherein the water channel (3) continues in the flow direction after the valve diaphragm (9) with a horizontal section (11) extending in the horizontal (H),wherein the water channel (3) is deflected downwards in the flow direction after the horizontal section (11) by a vertical section (12) and the outlet (5) forms the end of the vertical section (12) and is directed downwards, such that the rinsing water flows downwards from the outlet (5) in the vertical (V) section, wherein the horizontal section (11) and the vertical section (12) are part of a cover (13) which can be connected to the housing (2) and wherein the valve diaphragm (9) is accessible when the cover (13) is removed.