Dual Flush Valve Buoyancy Counterweight Reduces Activation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-volume drain valves for toilet cisterns require excessive force to trigger full flushing, making the operation inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A drain valve design where the upper float is fixed to the overflow pipe via a height adjustment element, allowing buoyancy to independently raise the overflow pipe for partial or full flushing, with a control chamber that delays the sinking of the lower float, reducing the necessary displacement for full flush activation and minimizing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional dual-volume drain valve is used with a long displacement path for full flush activation, then the flushing function is achieved, but excessive force is required making operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by utilizing the upper float's buoyancy force to offset the closing force of the overflow pipe. The upper float is dimensioned such that its buoyancy independently raises the overflow pipe from its closed position, counteracting the spring force and reducing the activation force required by the user to less than 5 N.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper float performs preliminary action by automatically raising the overflow pipe from its closed position through buoyancy before the user needs to activate the flush. This preliminary lifting action reduces the displacement path and force required for subsequent flush activation.
2Force
If the upper float is dimensioned to independently raise the overflow pipe via buoyancy, then activation force is reduced, but the displacement path is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The upper float's buoyancy serves as a counterweight that lifts the overflow pipe, reducing the displacement path required for activation. The float is dimensioned to provide sufficient buoyant force to overcome the spring closing force, enabling activation with minimal user effort over a shortened displacement path.
3Speed
If the lower float sinks immediately with the water level, then the flush activates quickly, but the user must exert more force for full flush
Solution Approach 1:
The upper float performs preliminary action by raising the overflow pipe through buoyancy before the lower float sinks. This sequence allows the system to prepare for flush activation in advance, reducing the force required when the user activates the flush, while still maintaining quick response through the coordinated action of both floats.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper float's buoyancy acts as a counterweight that offsets the closing force, reducing the activation force required. This counterbalancing mechanism allows for quicker response with less user effort, as the system is already partially prepared for activation.
4Quantity of substance
If the upper float is fixed at a specific height, then partial flush volume is controlled, but adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment element allows the upper float's position to be dynamically adjusted along the overflow pipe. This dynamic positioning enables control of the partial flush volume by setting different water levels, while maintaining the ability to adapt to different requirements through repositioning the float to various heights on the pipe.
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 significantly reduces the force required to trigger a full flush, enabling smooth and comfortable operation with reduced effort, and allows for adjustable flush volumes, enhancing the functionality of dual-flush technology.
Implementation Method 1
the upper float being dimensioned such that in the submerged state, after briefly lifting the overflow pipe from its closed position, the overflow pipe can be selectively assigned to a partial flush or full flush by its buoyancy force raises position independently
Implementation Method 2
The lower float is suspended via an extension arm pivoted on the housing in a chamber formed in the housing, which allows the sinking of the lower float to be delayed in relation to the sinking of the water level in the cistern
Data Source
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AI summary
Run-off valve comprises an upper float (4) fixed to an overflow pipe (2) using a height-adjustable element (6) and structured so that it lifts the overflow pipe by its lifting force into a position assigned to a partial or complete flush in the immersed state after lifting the overflow pipe for a short time. The upper float maintains an adjusted position relative to the overflow pipe during partial flushing and during complete flushing. Preferred Features: The height-adjustable element has a rod-like section (6.1) and the locking element (2.3) is formed on the overflow pipe for coupling the rod-like section of the height-adjustable element.