Concealed Sanitary Filling Limiting Device with Magnetic Plug

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filling limiting devices for sanitary facilities are unreliable, prone to clogging, aesthetically unpleasing, and require complex production due to exposed openings that can be tampered with and clogged by floating elements or sediment.

Innovation Solution

A concealed filling limiting device with a pipe system and vent control valve, utilizing a membrane and magnetic plug mechanism to control water flow, preventing clogging and ensuring reliability and ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If openings are made on the wall of the filling tank at the maximum filling level, then the filling level can be limited, but the tank becomes weaker and more prone to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling level control reliabilityVSAvoidtank wall strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the filling level control function from the tank wall itself by introducing a separate pipe system that connects to the tank. The pipe extends to the maximum filling level and provides an overflow path, eliminating the need to create openings in the tank wall. This preserves the structural integrity and strength of the tank while achieving the same filling limitation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe system acts as an intermediary element between the filling tank and the drainage system. Instead of directly opening the tank wall, the pipe mediates the water flow at the maximum filling level, providing a controlled overflow path that maintains tank strength while ensuring reliable filling level control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If openings are made on the tank wall, then filling can be limited, but the openings are exposed to clogging by floating elements and sediment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling level control reliabilityVSAvoidclogging by floating elements and sediment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the opening from the tank wall environment and relocates the filling control function to a pipe system that is inaccessible to floating elements and sediment. The pipe extends vertically to the maximum filling level and connects to the drainage system, creating a clog-resistant overflow path that is protected from contaminants in the water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement by extending the pipe vertically to reach the maximum filling level, rather than creating a horizontal opening in the tank wall. This vertical configuration, combined with the pipe's connection to the drainage system, creates a dimensionally separated overflow path that is less susceptible to clogging by floating elements and sediment.

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

3Reliability

If openings are made on the tank wall, then filling can be limited, but the openings are accessible to users and subject to intentional tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling level control reliabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the filling control function from the accessible tank wall surface and relocates it to an inaccessible pipe system. The pipe extends vertically and connects to the drainage system in a location that is not easily accessible to users, thereby preventing intentional tampering while maintaining the filling level limitation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If openings are made on the tank wall, then filling can be limited, but production becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling level control reliabilityVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the complex requirement of creating precise openings in the tank wall and replaces it with a simpler pipe system. The pipe can be easily manufactured and installed, connecting to the tank at the base and extending to the maximum filling level, thereby simplifying production while achieving reliable filling control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The device provides long-term reliability, prevents clogging, and simplifies production while maintaining strength and aesthetics by concealing the vent control valve and using a magnetic plug system to manage water flow without exposed openings.

Implementation Method 1

a vent control valve (19) arranged at the open end (18) of the vent pipe (17), said vent control valve (19) being provided with a membrane (20) which selectively allows air to enter and/or exit through the same

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The first pipe (11) is shaped in a manner such that its second end (13) is positioned at a higher elevation with respect to its first end (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2037051B1Filling limiting device of concealed type for sanitary facilities and a sanitary facility using the same
Publication Date: 2012.05.02 IDEAL STANDARD INT
  • EP2037051B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2037051B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2037051B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~4

AI summary

The present invention regards a filling limiting device of concealed type for sanitary facilities and a sanitary facility using the same. The filling limiting device (10) for sanitary facilities (50) according to the present invention comprises a first pipe (11), connectable at a first end (12) thereof to the base of the filling tank (51) of the sanitary facility (50) and connected at a second end (13) thereof to a second pipe (14) for water drainage, the first pipe (11) being shaped in a manner such that its second end (13) is positioned at a greater elevation with respect to its first end (12), the second pipe (14) comprising a first end (15) connected to said second end (13) of said first pipe (11) and a second end (16) positioned at a lower elevation than said first end (12) of said first pipe (11), at the connection between said second end (13) of said first pipe (11) and said first end (15) of said second pipe (14) a vent pipe (17) towards the environment being provided for and provided with, at an open end (18) thereof, a vent control valve (19) for the exit and/or entry of air.