Dual Flush Toilet Handle Sleeve with Rotation Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dual flush toilets are expensive and require replacement of the flush mechanism, which is not cost-effective for water conservation efforts in developed countries where a significant portion of fresh water is used for flushing toilets.

Innovation Solution

A dual flush toilet mechanism is modified with a handle sleeve and a lift arm featuring a rotation stop and a lift line that allows for two distinct flush arcs, enabling a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste by engaging the flapper or ball valve differently based on handle rotation direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a conventional dual flush toilet is installed, then water conservation is improved, but the cost and complexity of replacing the flush mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidflush mechanism replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flush mechanism is segmented into two functional modes (partial flush and full flush) achieved through different rotation arcs of the same handle, eliminating the need for separate flush mechanisms while maintaining water conservation benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single flush mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling two distinct flush actions through different handle rotation directions and arcs, thereby avoiding the need for replacement while achieving dual flush capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of substance

If a dual flush mechanism is replaced, then water conservation is improved, but the installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater consumptionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The existing flush mechanism is modified to provide dual flush functionality through self-contained mechanical modifications (rotation stops and limiting tabs) rather than requiring complete replacement, reducing installation costs while maintaining water conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single flush mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but water conservation effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflush mechanismVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flush mechanism incorporates dynamic elements (rotation stops and limiting tabs) that enable it to adapt between two different operational modes (partial and full flush), allowing a single mechanism to provide water conservation benefits without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9410311B2Dual flush device

Publication Date: 2016.08.09 AKBARPOUR SAM

AI summary

The devices and methods described, provide for a dual flush device with a handle sleeve with a rotation stop and a lift arm extending through the handle sleeve with a rotation limiting tab on the lift arm to engage the rotation stop to enable the lift arm to rotate in a first direction through a first arc and to rotate in a second direction through a second arc where the first arc is smaller than the second arc. A dual flush device with a lift arm added to conventional toilet will enable the toilet to perform two different flush actions, a small partial flush for liquid waste, and a second, full flush for solid waste.