Dual-Tank Flushing System for Surge and Pressurized Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing systems, such as those described in WO 2016/016471 and DE 35 12 305 A1, suffer from inefficient flushing due to low flow rates and inadequate design of Venturi nozzles, leading to suboptimal cleaning of toilet bowls and urinals.
Innovation Solution
A dual-tank compartment flushing system with a gravity and pressure flushing valve combination, where the first tank compartment is filled via a filling valve and overflow edge, and the second compartment is pressurized, allowing for efficient filling and simultaneous surge and pressurized flushing to enhance cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tank compartment with a Venturi nozzle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flushing efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The cistern is divided into two separate tank compartments: a first tank compartment for gravity flushing and a second tank compartment for pressure flushing. This segmentation allows each compartment to serve a specific flushing function, thereby improving overall flushing efficiency while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flushing system are assigned different functional qualities: the first tank compartment provides gravity-driven surge flushing for the siphon section, while the second tank compartment provides pressure-driven flushing for surface cleaning. This local differentiation of flushing characteristics optimizes cleaning effectiveness for different areas of the sanitary fixture.
2Device complexity
If only a gravity flushing valve is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the surface cleaning capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing valve system is segmented into two distinct valves: a gravity flushing valve in the first tank compartment and a pressure flushing valve in the second tank compartment. This segmentation enables each valve type to perform its optimal function, with the pressure flushing valve specifically addressing surface cleaning requirements that gravity flushing cannot adequately satisfy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flushing mechanisms are applied to different locations: gravity flushing is used for the siphon section where surge flow is beneficial, while pressure flushing is applied to the receiving chamber where high-velocity jets are needed for effective surface cleaning. This local optimization of flushing quality resolves the contradiction between simplicity and cleaning effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If only a pressure flushing valve is used, then the surface cleaning capability is improved, but the siphon section rinsing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing system is segmented into two functional zones with different valve types: the first tank compartment with a gravity flushing valve dedicated to siphon section rinsing, and the second tank compartment with a pressure flushing valve dedicated to surface cleaning. This segmentation ensures that each flushing mechanism is applied where it is most effective.
Solution Approach 2:
Gravity flushing is specifically applied to the siphon section to create the surge effect needed for thorough rinsing, while pressure flushing is applied to the receiving chamber for surface cleaning. This localized application of appropriate flushing qualities resolves the contradiction between surface cleaning effectiveness and siphon section rinsing efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a single filling valve fills both tank compartments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system is segmented into a primary filling valve for the first tank compartment and a secondary filling mechanism for the second tank compartment. This segmentation ensures that if the primary filling valve malfunctions, the system can still operate using alternative filling methods, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity through staged filling capabilities.
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 dual-tank system optimizes flushing by ensuring thorough siphon section rinsing and surface cleaning, with the gravity valve providing a surge effect and the pressure valve ensuring effective surface cleaning, enhancing overall flushing efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first flushing valve is a gravity flushing valve, wherein the flushing water flows out of the first tank compartment under the influence of gravity
Implementation Method 2
the second flushing valve is a pressure flushing valve, wherein the flushing water flows out of the second tank compartment under the influence of water pressure
Implementation Method 3
the first tank compartment has an overflow edge over which, when the first tank compartment is filled and continues to be filled, the flushing water can flow from the first tank compartment into the second tank compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
A flushing system (1) comprises a cistern (2) with a first tank chamber (3) and a second tank chamber (4), a filling valve (5) for filling the cistern (2) with flushing water, a first flushing valve (6) arranged in the first tank chamber (3), a second flushing valve (7) arranged in the second tank chamber (4), and a sanitary article (8) with a receiving chamber (9), a first flushing opening (10) which can be supplied with flushing water via the first flushing valve (6), a second flushing opening (11) which can be supplied with flushing water via the second flushing valve (7), as well as a siphon section (12) adjoining the receiving chamber (9) and a drain section (13) adjoining the siphon section (12), wherein the first flushing valve (6) is a gravity flushing valve.wherein the rinsing water in the first tank chamber (3) flows out under the influence of gravity and wherein the second rinsing valve (7) is a pressure rinsing valve wherein the rinsing water in the second tank chamber (4) flows out under the influence of water pressure.