Sink Drain Valve Actuator With Flush Push-Latch Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for sink drain valves, such as rotary control buttons, hinder cleaning and are prone to dirt accumulation, and previous alternatives with retractable push buttons have complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A simpler and cost-effective actuating device with a latching mechanism using a ballpoint pen mechanism and a slidably arranged functional element, eliminating the need for spring elements, and featuring a form-fitting connection between the actuating and operating devices, along with a sealing element to prevent dirt and water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary control knob is used on the top of the sink, then the valve can be operated easily, but cleaning becomes difficult and dirt accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is extracted from the traditional rotary knob position on top of the sink and relocated to the front surface, where it can be actuated by pushing while allowing water and dirt to flow freely over the sink surface without accumulating around the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating a knob on top of the sink (traditional approach), the invention inverts the operation method by using a push-button mechanism on the front surface, changing both the location and the type of motion required for operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If retractable push buttons are used instead of rotary knobs, then cleaning becomes easier, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is segmented into separate functional components: the operating element, the guide, and the locking device with first and second locking positions. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall structure by assigning specific functions to discrete elements rather than using a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a retractable mechanism that moves the button in and out, the invention inverts the approach by using a fixed-position operating element that simply moves between two display positions (first and second) within a guide, eliminating the need for retractability while achieving the same cleaning advantage.
3Device complexity
If the operating element is at different heights in different positions, then the locking mechanism can be simpler, but the visual appearance and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is designed to be at the same height in both the first and second display positions relative to the guide, creating an equipotential arrangement that simplifies the locking mechanism while maintaining consistent visual appearance and enabling easier customization of the front surface design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating device for opening or closing a valve of a drain assembly, comprising an actuating device, wherein the actuating device includes a detent device which provides a first detent position and a second detent position, and an operating device for the actuating device, wherein the operating device includes an operating element with which the detent device can be moved from the first detent position to the second detent position or from the second detent position to the first detent position, and wherein the operating device includes a guide in which the operating element is guided when changing between a first display position and a second display position, wherein the first display position corresponds to the first detent position and the second display position corresponds to the second detent position, wherein the operating element is arranged at the same height relative to the guide in the second display position.wherein the actuating device and the operating device are designed separately and can be fixed to one another, wherein in the fixed state the area of the operating device is free of elastic elements, in particular spring elements, for providing the first and second display positions.