Eccentric Float Valve Body for Adjustable Flush Tank Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flushing devices for flush tanks are complex, costly, and require multiple components tailored to specific tank dimensions, leading to operational inefficiencies and reliability issues, especially when conditions differ from the design parameters.

Innovation Solution

A simplified flushing device with a support structure, a valve body, a float, a supplementary ballast tank, and an actuating system that allows for adjustable water flow and independent operation, featuring a one-way valve and adjustable components for precise control of water quantity and speed in both complete and partial flush modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used to tailor flushing devices for specific tank dimensions, then operational effectiveness for different tanks is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tank dimensionsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is designed with a universal structure that can function with different float configurations. The same valve body can accommodate complete flush mode with one float or partial flush mode with two floats, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components for different tank types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The float connection mechanism is made adjustable and reconfigurable. The valve body can dynamically switch between different float engagement states, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operational requirements without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If floats are laterally arranged with respect to a central valve body, then space utilization is improved, but the speed of the floats cannot be adjusted to control valve body closing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidadjustability of closing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The float connection to the valve body is made adjustable through threaded connections. This allows the vertical position and engagement characteristics of the floats to be dynamically adjusted, controlling the closing speed of the valve body while maintaining the lateral arrangement for space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection parameters between floats and valve body can be changed through adjustment mechanisms. By modifying the engagement depth, vertical position, or connection strength, the closing speed characteristics can be tuned without changing the fundamental lateral arrangement of the components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If weights and floats are connected in a releasable manner to the valve body, then adjustment of closing speed is improved, but operational reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of closing speedVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism uses threaded fasteners that provide both adjustability and secure mechanical engagement. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through reversible threading, while reliability is maintained through the robust mechanical connection that prevents accidental disengagement during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Threaded connection elements serve as intermediaries between the floats/weights and the valve body. These intermediaries provide a controlled interface that allows for precise adjustment while maintaining strong, reliable mechanical coupling throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device ensures reliable, cost-effective, and adaptable operation across various tank sizes and conditions, enabling simple and accurate adjustment of water quantity and speed, reducing the need for multiple component designs and improving operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a float 7, used for the complete flush, which is fitted integral with the valve body 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

a supplementary ballast tank 8 containing water, used for the partial flush, which is movable and selectively connectable to the valve body 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2619375B1Flushing device for flush tank
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 VALSIR
  • EP2619375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2619375B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2619375B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A flushing device (1) for a flush tank comprising a support structure (3); a valve body (4) that is slidable and provided with a shutter (5) cooperating with a seal seat (6) of the support structure (3); a float (7) fitted integral with the valve body (4); an actuating system (9) connected to the valve body (4) for raising the valve body (4) and opening the seal seat (6); the float (7) projects laterally from the valve body (4) and is eccentric and radially external with respect to the valve body (4), and is housed to slide in a tank (22) of the support structure (3) that is set eccentrically with respect to the axis (A) and has a valve (27) for the supply of water into the tank (22), and a window (30) for the outflow of water from the tank (22); a ballast tank (8) containing water is provided in order to carry out the early drop of the valve body (4) in the event of a partial flush, which is adjustable in weight thanks to a window (58) closed by an adjustable gate (60).