Dual-Flush Flushometer Relief Chamber Control for Low-Volume Performance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-flush flushometers, particularly those with three-port configurations and in-wall installations, do not provide satisfactory performance, especially in low flush volume configurations.
Innovation Solution
A flushometer system with a valve body, piston assembly, and actuation module that allows for dual flush volumes by venting a relief chamber using first and second plungers, enabling adjustable flush volumes through a sleeve and actuation module configuration, and a face plate assembly for manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If dual-flush functionality is implemented in in-wall installations, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushometer is divided into modular components including a valve body, piston assembly, actuation module with first and second plungers, and a relief chamber. This segmentation allows dual-flush functionality to be achieved through coordinated operation of separate components rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second plunger is nested within the first plunger, and the piston assembly is disposed within the valve body. This nesting arrangement reduces overall device complexity by space-efficient component placement while maintaining dual-flush functionality.
2Loss of substance
If low flush volume configuration is implemented, then water conservation is improved, but flush performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piston assembly is configured to move dynamically between different positions: a first position for full flush and a second position for reduced flush. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt flush volume to actual needs while maintaining adequate performance for both full and partial flush requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameter by controlling piston position. When the piston moves to the second position, it partially obstructs the flow path, reducing flush volume. The parameter change is achieved through mechanical position control rather than complex flow restriction mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented for in-wall installation, then installation flexibility is improved, but service accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation module with plungers is designed to be accessible through an opening in the wall, allowing service personnel to reach and operate the flushometer without removing the entire unit. This extraction of the actuation interface to the exterior maintains compact in-wall installation while preserving service accessibility.
4Loss of substance
If precise control over flush volume is implemented, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief chamber acts as an intermediary mechanism between the plungers and the piston assembly. When either plunger is depressed, it vents the relief chamber, which then allows the piston to move to the appropriate position. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall control system by using pressure differential rather than direct mechanical linkage.
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 system achieves effective dual-volume flush performance in a compact design, suitable for in-wall installations, with improved control over flush volumes and convenient access for service and installation.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation module is configured to vent the relief chamber upon actuation. The first plunger is moveable to vent the relief chamber such that the piston assembly is configured to move a first distance from the main valve seat assembly to permit a first flush volume to flow through
Implementation Method 2
The second plunger is moveable to vent the relief chamber such that the piston assembly is configured to move a second distance from the main valve seat assembly that is smaller than the first distance to permit a second flush volume to flow through
Implementation Method 3
a piston assembly slidably disposed within the valve body and configured for sealing the main valve seat assembly and moving to permit liquid to flow through the main valve seat assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A flushometer system includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and an actuation opening, a main valve seat assembly disposed in the valve body, a piston assembly slidably disposed within the valve body and configured for sealing the main valve seat assembly and moving to permit liquid to flow through the main valve seat assembly, and an actuation module engaged with the valve body. A relief chamber is defined between the actuation module and the piston assembly, and the actuation module is configured to vent the relief chamber upon actuation. The actuation module includes first and second plungers. The first plunger and the second plungers are moveable to vent the relief chamber, where the piston assembly moves to permit water to flow through the main valve seat assembly. Movement of the first plunger allows a larger flush volume to pass through the main valve seat assembly than movement of the second plunger.