Dual-Control Flushing Mechanism With Mechanical Foot Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional toilet flushing devices face issues such as bacterial growth due to manual controls, inconvenience from manual operation, and high costs and reliability concerns with automatic flushing systems that require power and electronic controls.
Innovation Solution
A dual-control flushing device with a mechanical design incorporating a first flushing mechanism using a pressing assembly and a second flushing mechanism with a foot-controlled assembly, allowing for both manual and foot-operated flushing without the need for electronic components, utilizing a traction rope and lifting block to lift the valve stem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual button control is used on the water tank, then the device structure is simple and costs are low, but the button easily germinates bacteria and requires the user to bend down to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foot-controlled assembly as an intermediary control mechanism between the user and the flushing system. The foot-controlled pedal transmits force through a transmission assembly to the valve stem, allowing users to flush without touching the water tank button, thereby eliminating direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces while maintaining simple mechanical operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is moved from the vertical dimension (button on water tank requiring bending down) to the horizontal dimension (foot-controlled pedal on the ground). This spatial repositioning allows users to operate the flushing mechanism from a standing position, improving ergonomics and avoiding contact with the water tank area
2Ease of operation
If an automatic flushing device with sensor is used, then hands-free operation is achieved and ease of use is improved, but additional power supply connection and electric control device are required, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing and control systems with a purely mechanical foot-controlled transmission mechanism. The foot-controlled assembly uses mechanical linkages, levers, and the existing valve stem transmission to achieve automatic flushing operation without requiring sensors, power supplies, or electronic control devices, thereby eliminating complexity while maintaining hands-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The foot-controlled assembly utilizes the user's own body weight and movement to directly actuate the flushing mechanism through mechanical transmission. The system is self-actuating, converting the user's foot pressure into valve stem movement without requiring external power sources or electronic intermediaries
3Ease of operation
If a foot-controlled flushing method is added to automatic flushing device, then flushing convenience is improved, but it requires removing traditional button structure and changing valve body structure, causing waste of research and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the foot-controlled assembly with the existing manual flushing valve body structure. The transmission assembly of the foot-controlled mechanism is integrated into the valve body, sharing common components such as the valve stem and transmission pathways. This integration allows dual control functionality without requiring separate valve bodies or extensive structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body and transmission components are designed to serve multiple functions: they work with both the traditional button control and the foot-controlled assembly. The transmission assembly can receive input from either the button or the foot-controlled pedal and translate it into valve stem movement, making the system multi-functional without requiring duplicate structures
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional button flushing device is modified to accommodate foot-controlled structure, then dual control functionality is achieved, but the device cannot function normally when power is lost and transmission connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electronic components and power-dependent mechanisms from the transmission system. The foot-controlled assembly uses purely mechanical linkages, springs, and levers that function independently of power supply. This mechanical substitution ensures reliable operation in all conditions, including power outages, while maintaining dual control versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission assembly incorporates mechanical cushioning elements such as springs and flexible linkages that compensate for variations in actuation force and ensure reliable transmission regardless of the control method used. This pre-built mechanical tolerance buffering ensures consistent operation whether the button or foot-controlled assembly is used, enhancing reliability without requiring power
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 dual-control mechanism maintains manual operation convenience while reducing bacterial risk and costs, ensuring reliable operation without power supply dependency, optimizing space usage, and facilitating area planning.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting part holds a bottom of the transmission part, the traction rope comprises a first control end connected to the foot-controlled assembly and a second control end connected to the lifting block, the foot-controlled assembly is configured to squeeze or release the first control end, so that the first control end and the second control end move and drive the lifting block and the valve stem to lift synchronously
Implementation Method 2
a hinge part is provided between the first transmission end and the second transmission end, the second transmission end moves and drives the valve stem to lift as the pressing assembly is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dual-control flushing device, including: a body including a water tank; a valve assembly including a valve body and a valve stem configured to control opening or closing of a flushing port, wherein a transmission part extends from an end of the valve stem; a first flushing mechanism including a pressing assembly and a transmission assembly; a second flushing mechanism including a foot-controlled assembly, a lifting block and a traction rope, wherein the lifting block includes a lifting part, the traction rope includes a first control end connected to the foot-controlled assembly and a second control end connected to the lifting block, the foot-controlled assembly is configured to squeeze or release the first control end, so that the first control end and the second control end move and drive the lifting block and the valve stem to lift synchronously. The dual-control flushing device is convenient for users.