Discharge Valve Actuator with Dual Rotary Windings for Flush Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional discharge valve operating devices face challenges in improving operability due to limited installation space and interference issues, especially when automating valve opening operations for flush toilets, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of toilet flushing across different flush modes.
Innovation Solution
A discharge valve operating device with a rotating shaft and dual coupling members, featuring first and second rotary winding members that independently rotate to manage different flush modes by adjusting the pull-up amount of the discharge valve, allowing for accurate toilet flushing in both full-flush and partial-flush modes without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single common operation wire is used to couple to the discharge valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operability deteriorates due to interference with surrounding parts during automated operation
Solution Approach 1:
The single common operation wire is segmented into multiple independent operation wires (first operation wire and second operation wire). Each wire is coupled to a separate rotary winding member, allowing independent control and eliminating interference between wires and surrounding parts during automated operation.
2Quantity of substance
If the pull-up amount of the operation wire is set large for full-flush mode, then the flush water amount is increased, but the operability deteriorates due to interference with surrounding parts
Solution Approach 1:
The pull-up amount of the operation wire is made variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the pull-up amount based on the selected flush mode (full-flush or partial-flush), allowing large pull-up amount for full-flush mode to increase flush water amount while avoiding interference issues through controlled, mode-specific operation.
3Ease of operation
If automation is implemented to improve ease of use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional electric drive units
Solution Approach 1:
The operation wire serves multiple functions: it acts as both a coupling member to transmit force to the discharge valve and as a rotational guide for the rotary winding member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate electric drive units, maintaining ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enhances the operability of the discharge valve operating device by enabling precise control over valve opening operations for various flush modes, ensuring accurate and efficient toilet flushing with reduced interference, and allowing for both electric and manual operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
the first rotary winding member being configured to wind up the first coupling member when the first rotary winding member rotates together with the rotating shaft in the first rotation direction
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge valve operating device includes an electric operation unit including a rotating shaft, a first coupling member and a second coupling member having respective one ends coupled to a discharge valve, a first rotary winding member, and a second rotary winding member. The first rotary winding member and the second rotary winding member include a first holed portion and a second holed portion, respectively, which are provided near portions at respective rotation centers. Each holed portion is engageable and disengageable with the rotating shaft in a rotation direction in accordance with the rotation direction of the rotating shaft in each operation mode.