Electro-mechanical Flush Mechanism with Bowden Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilet flushing devices lack flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and security in operation, particularly in ensuring proper flushing performance, especially during power failures.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a pushbutton sensor to activate an electric linear drive via a Bowden cable, allowing for flexible installation and operation of an existing cistern drain valve with a float, featuring adjustable travel ranges and a mechanical release mechanism for emergency flushing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional mechanical actuating plate with buttons is used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it lacks flexibility and cannot provide adjustable flushing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical actuating plate with an electronic control system that includes a microcontroller, sensor, and motor driver. This substitution enables flexible control of the drain valve through electronic signals while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The electronic system can adjust flushing parameters programmatically without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the drain valve operation through a motor that can adjust the opening duration and timing of the valve. The microcontroller can program different flushing patterns and durations, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs and flushing scenarios without changing the physical hardware structure.
2Reliability
If an electromagnetic cistern valve without float is used, then the valve can be controlled electrically, but it cannot ensure proper flushing performance during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a float mechanism that provides automatic flushing control independent of electronic power supply. The float rises with water level and mechanically actuates the drain valve when a predetermined water level is reached, ensuring flushing occurs even during power failures. This mechanical backup system cushions against the vulnerability of electronic-only control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a float as an intermediary element between the water level and the drain valve actuation. The float converts water level information into mechanical motion that directly operates the valve, providing a reliable intermediate control mechanism that does not depend on electronic power or complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the linear drive is arranged outside the cistern, then installation is simpler, but the device cannot be flexibly mounted and requires additional external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the linear drive with a universal mounting interface that can be integrated into various cistern configurations. The drive can be mounted both inside and outside the cistern body, and the mounting location can be adjusted based on specific installation requirements. This multi-functional mounting capability allows the same linear drive to adapt to different manufacturing and installation scenarios.
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
Enables comfortable, flexible, and economical operation with enhanced security by allowing adjustable flushing performance and ensuring continued functionality during power failures.
Implementation Method 1
a float which rises with the water level
Implementation Method 2
a Bowden cable which connects the lever to the valve body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An electrical assembly triggers the flushing sequence in a water closet (1, 1') with an outlet valve (2), an electronic control unit with a touch control sensor linked to the valve. The outlet valve is linked to the touch control sensor via a Bowden cable (12).