Dual-Flow Flapper Valve Assembly with Adjustable Stopper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flapper valves in toilets result in excessive water consumption, lack user control, are difficult to retrofit, and are costly, leading to inefficient water use and high utility bills, especially for individuals with overactive bladder or intestinal issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-flow flapper valve assembly with a flapper having a central opening and a guide assembly, featuring a stopper with limited movement, allows for two flow settings by adjusting the stopper's position, enabling reduced water flow without requiring tank modification or complex installation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional single-piece flapper is used, then the design is simple, but water consumption is excessive and user control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper is divided into multiple components: a main flapper body, a stopper with shaft, and a guide assembly with primary and secondary guides. This segmentation allows independent control of different flow paths, enabling partial flow restriction while maintaining simple overall installation by replacing only the flapper assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-lever assembly is used, then two flow levels are available, but installation complexity increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper can be positioned at different heights along the shaft to dynamically adjust the flow restriction. The guide assembly provides fixed reference points (primary guide for full flow, secondary guide for reduced flow) while the stopper's position can be dynamically adjusted by the user, combining simplicity with adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly serves multiple functions: it guides the stopper during operation, provides visual indicators for flow settings, and acts as a stop mechanism. The single flapper replacement design maintains universality by fitting standard toilet tanks while providing dual-flow capability
3Ease of operation
If a dual-lever assembly is used, then flow control is improved, but retrofitting requires tank modification and professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the control mechanism into a self-contained flapper assembly with integrated stopper and guide components, requiring only removal of the old flapper and installation of the new assembly. No tank modification is needed, making retrofitting simple and accessible to DIY users
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-regulating during installation. The primary and secondary guides automatically position the stopper at correct heights, eliminating the need for precise customization or professional adjustment
4Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-lever assembly is used, then flow options are provided, but user confusion increases and wrong selection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly provides visual indicators through its structure - the primary guide and secondary guide are positioned at different heights and can be visually distinguished. This visual coding system eliminates confusion by clearly showing users which stopper position corresponds to which flow level, without requiring multiple levers or complex controls
5Ease of operation
If a dual-lever assembly is used, then flow control is improved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the stopper, shaft, plug, and guide assembly into a single integrated unit that replaces the entire flapper. This consolidation reduces part count, eliminates the need for separate dual-lever mechanisms, and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining dual-flow functionality, thereby reducing overall cost
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-flow flapper valve assembly is presented having a flapper and a stopper that extends through an opening in a central portion of the flapper. In some embodiments of the present invention, a guide assembly extends downwardly from a bottom of the flapper and the stopper having a shaft that is received and extends through the flapper and the guide assembly, such that a top end of the shaft extends above the flapper and a bottom end extends below the guide assembly. In some arrangements of the present invention, the shaft has a plug adjacent the top end of the shaft and a stop at the bottom end.