Flush Actuation Device with Branching Lever Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flush actuation devices for toilets and urinals require separate constructions and actuation mechanisms for different cistern orientations, making it complicated and time-consuming to change the actuation variant after installation.

Innovation Solution

A flush actuation device with a pivotable release lever and an arm branching off from the lever section, allowing for mechanical connection to the flushing valve in a way that enables the same device to function in both vertical and horizontal orientations, with auxiliary levers for varying flush volumes and a connecting device to bridge distances, ensuring optimal connection regardless of orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate flushing cisterns and actuation devices are constructed for each button arrangement variant, then the flushing valve can be reliably connected to the actuation mechanism, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is designed with multiple receptacles (first receptacle on the lever section, second receptacle on the branching arm) that can connect to the flushing valve at different positions. This allows a single actuation device to accommodate both front-side and upper-side button arrangements by simply changing which receptacle is connected to the flushing valve, eliminating the need for separate devices for each variant.

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

2Reliability

If separate actuation mechanisms are used for different button arrangements, then the flushing valve connection can be optimized for each variant, but the ease of operation and conversion between variants deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflushing valve connectionVSAvoidconversion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is designed as a dynamic component with a branching arm that can be positioned in different configurations. The arm can be rotated or repositioned to connect different receptacles to the flushing valve, allowing the device to adapt to different button arrangements without requiring complete mechanism replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple separate actuation devices are stocked for different variants, then each device can be optimized for its specific application, but the loss of substance and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariant-specific optimizationVSAvoidinventory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By incorporating multiple connection receptacles on the release lever, the invention creates a universal actuation device that can serve multiple button arrangement variants. This single device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices in inventory, reducing material consumption and simplifying stock management.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If the actuation mechanism is fixed for a specific button arrangement, then the manufacturing precision can be optimized, but the adaptability to different installations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidinstallation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is segmented into distinct components: the lever section with its receptacle, the branching arm with its own receptacle, and the connection points to the flushing valve. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard precision while the overall assembly provides adaptability through selective connection of different receptacles to the flushing valve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2913449B1Flush actuation device and assembly with a flushing tank for a toilet or urinal
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 VIEGA TECHNOLOGY GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2913449B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2913449B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2913449B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a flushing actuation device (1) for installation in a cistern (2) of a toilet or urinal, comprising a housing (3) having a front (3.1) and a rear (3.2), and an actuating mechanism (4) comprising at least a release lever (5) which is pivotably mounted in the housing (3) about a pivot axis (5.1) and has a lever section (5.2) extending from the pivot axis (5.1) to a first end (5.21), wherein the lever section (5.2) has a receptacle (5.22) with a contact surface (5.221) for mechanical connection with a flush valve (6) at a location remote from the pivot axis (5.1), and at least one actuating element (7, 7') which is movably mounted in the housing (3) and is mechanically connected to the release lever (5). In order to be able to change the actuation variant in the simplest possible way, the invention proposes that the pivot axis (5.1) From the first end (5.21) of the release lever (5), an arm (5.3) branches off at a junction (5.23), the arm having a receptacle (5.32) at its end (5.31) opposite the lever section (5.2) for mechanical connection with the flushing valve (6). The invention also relates to an arrangement with a cistern (2) and such a flushing actuation device (1).