Concealed Cistern with Segmented Inspection Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concealed cisterns face difficulties in the simplified assembly of valves due to small inspection openings, which are limited by the size of the actuating plates, making installation challenging and aesthetically unsatisfactory.

Innovation Solution

A concealed cistern design with a connection space underneath the box body, featuring a larger inspection opening that can be covered by the toilet or urinal bowl, allowing for a miniaturized electronic actuation device and eliminating the need for an actuating plate, enabling easier installation and a continuous wall surface design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the inspection opening is made small to match the actuating plate size, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of installation of functional parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inspection opening into two separate openings: a small first inspection opening in the actuating plate for aesthetic purposes, and a large second inspection opening in the connection space for installation access. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its specific function optimally without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the connection space and its large inspection opening to a different spatial location (underneath the box body) rather than in the front wall. This dimensional relocation allows the large opening to be hidden from view while providing adequate access for installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the actuating plate is made small for aesthetic reasons, then the wall surface design is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall surface designVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the actuating function (small plate) from the maintenance access function (large opening in connection space), allowing the actuating plate to remain small and aesthetic while the connection space provides adequate access for repairs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection space acts as an intermediary structure that provides maintenance access without requiring a large visible opening in the actuating plate. The large second inspection opening in the connection space serves as the actual maintenance access point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2075381B1Built-in flushing device for a toilet or urinal
Publication Date: 2011.07.13 VIEGA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2075381B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The cistern has a double-walled tank body (1) for receiving flushing water, and an electrical actuating device (7) for triggering flushing. A connection chamber (2) or housing is arranged below the tank body for accommodating an electrical controller (3) and a lockable tap (4). The chamber or housing has an inspection opening (6) at a front side of the chamber or housing. The opening is arranged in such a manner that the opening is covered based on assembly of a water closet- or urinal bowl. An electrically controllable filling valve (12) is arranged in the chamber or housing.