Drain Valve With Buoyancy-Assisted Segmented Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drain valves in flush toilets have a large lift stroke, making them difficult for users to operate, which decreases comfort and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A drain valve design featuring a valve body with a first and second valve element and a lifting component assisted by buoyancy force, allowing for a shorter lift stroke and improved operation by utilizing a floating body to automatically open and close the drain outlet and water outlet, reducing the effort required for users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lever-type drain valve is used with a large valve element, then the valve can effectively close the drain outlet, but the lift stroke becomes very long making it difficult for users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The drain valve is divided into two separate valve elements: a first valve element that closes the drain outlet and a second valve element that closes the water outlet. This segmentation allows each valve element to be operated independently with shorter stroke distances, resolving the contradiction between effective closing and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting component with a floating body is introduced as an intermediary mechanism. The floating body utilizes buoyancy force to automatically lift the second valve element when water level rises, eliminating the need for manual operation over long distances and making the valve easier to operate while maintaining reliable closing.
2Ease of operation
If the lift stroke is reduced for easier operation, then user comfort is improved, but the valve may not be able to effectively open the large valve element
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into two functional parts: the first valve element for draining (operated by user input through the lifting component) and the second valve element for water supply control (automatically operated by buoyancy). This segmentation allows the first valve element to achieve effective opening with a short lift stroke while the second valve element handles the automatic response function.
Solution Approach 2:
The second valve element is designed to automatically open and close in response to water level changes through the buoyancy force on the floating body, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable valve operation with minimal user effort, resolving the contradiction between short stroke and effective opening.
3Extent of automation
If a hollow first valve element is used to create an inner cavity, then the valve structure becomes more complex, but the buoyancy force can assist in automatic operation
Solution Approach 1:
The first valve element is designed as a hollow structure that serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary closing element for the drain outlet, creates the inner cavity necessary for buoyancy-based automatic operation, and provides structural support for the lifting component. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting component with the floating body is nested within the hollow first valve element structure. The floating body is positioned inside the inner cavity created by the hollow first valve element, allowing the buoyancy mechanism to be integrated into the existing valve structure rather than adding separate external components, thus minimizing complexity increase.
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 design achieves a shorter lift stroke, enhancing user convenience and comfort while maintaining effective draining, as the buoyancy force assists in automatically opening the valve elements, reducing the effort needed to operate the valve.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting component is provided with a floating body, and with the assistance of the buoyancy force of the floating body, the lifting component lifts the second valve element
Data Source
AI summary
A drain valve includes a valve body provided with a drain outlet in the lower portion, a first valve element arranged in the valve body to open or close the drain outlet, dividing the valve body into an inner cavity and an outer cavity and provided with a water outlet communicated with the drain outlet, a second valve element located in the inner cavity to open or close the water outlet of the first valve element, and a lifting component having an end connected with the second valve element and provided with a floating body assisting the lifting component in lifting the second valve element with a buoyancy force. Compared with traditional drain valves, the drain valve realizes the same draining effect with a short lift stroke, is convenient and fast to use, and improves the comfort level for users.