Dual Mode Flush Actuator with Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush valves struggle to combine water conservation of dual mode operation with the reliability of manual actuation and the ease of use and hygiene of automatic actuation.
Innovation Solution
A flush valve assembly with an actuator assembly that includes a sensor unit, a motor, and a gear train, allowing for automatic dual flush mode actuation, where a plunger is moved along different paths to achieve either a solid waste or liquid waste flush volume, and a manual actuation mechanism for user-initiated flushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic actuation with sensor is implemented, then ease of use and hygiene are improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential sensor failures or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A plunger mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the valve system. The plunger can be actuated manually to directly open the valve, providing a reliable backup when automatic sensor actuation fails. This mechanical intermediary ensures that the system maintains reliability while still offering automatic actuation capabilities for ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the actuation parameter from purely automatic (sensor-based) to a hybrid mode that includes both automatic and manual options. By providing a manual plunger actuation mechanism alongside the automatic sensor system, the patent allows users to switch between actuation modes, ensuring reliability through manual override capability while maintaining ease of use through automatic operation when functioning.
2Loss of substance
If dual mode flush operation is implemented, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is designed with multi-functionality to handle both automatic sensor-based actuation and manual plunger-based actuation within a single integrated unit. This universal design allows the same hardware platform to support dual mode flush operation (different flush volumes for different waste types) while avoiding the need for separate complex systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining water conservation benefits.
3Reliability
If manual actuation mechanism is provided, then reliability is improved through user control, but ease of use deteriorates due to requiring direct user initiation
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger acts as a simple mechanical intermediary that provides direct user control for reliable actuation. When users need reliability through manual control, they can directly push the plunger to open the valve. The plunger's simple mechanical design maintains ease of use despite being manual, as it requires only straightforward linear motion without complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to operate a complex handle mechanism or pull a chain, the system inverts the approach by providing a pushable plunger that moves in the same direction as the desired valve opening. This intuitive inversion of the traditional manual actuation approach improves ease of use while maintaining the reliability of direct user control.
Data Source
AI summary
A flush actuator for engaging a flush valve. The flush actuator provides a mechanism assembly for automatically flushing the flush valve. A sensor provides a presence detection to trigger the automatic flushing. A reduced flush or standard flush cycle may be initiated.