Flush Actuator Push Plates for Compact Dual-Flush Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuating devices for concealed toilet cisterns with dual-flush technology are large due to the size of the inspection opening, making them difficult to operate and clean, and there is a need for hygienically favorable designs with smaller dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a cover and fastening elements, featuring movable control elements for small and full flush volumes, a detachable frame-shaped screen, and push plates that project forward, providing large actuating surfaces while maintaining a small front surface area, made from materials like glass for easy cleaning and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the actuating plate size is reduced to match the inspection opening size, then the device occupies less space and is more compact, but the operating surface area for triggering flushes is reduced making it harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The push plates extend in the depth dimension (protruding from the screen) rather than only in the front surface area. This allows the operating surface to be larger in three-dimensional space while maintaining a compact front profile, resolving the contradiction between compact size and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating plate has a large front surface area, then it provides large operating surfaces for easy operation, but it becomes difficult to clean and maintains bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the push plates in the depth dimension rather than increasing front surface area, the design provides large operating surfaces while maintaining a compact front profile that is easier to clean and less prone to bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The push plates are designed as smooth, flat surfaces that can be made from non-porous materials like glass, creating a hygienic surface that resists bacterial growth while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating plate protrudes significantly from the wall, then it provides larger operating surfaces, but it increases the risk of injury from abutting edges
Solution Approach 1:
The push plates extend moderately in the depth dimension to provide adequate operating surface area while limiting the protrusion to a safe distance that reduces injury risk from abutting edges.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~12
AI summary
The device has operating units protruding forward in starting position opposite to a frame-shaped screen (4) and provided with pressure plates (5.2, 5.1). The plate (5.2) has an operating surface that is smaller than the plate (5.1), where the plates are separated from each other by a joint (F). Each plate laterally protrudes opposite to a lateral surface of its assigned operating unit. The distance of narrow sides (5.11, 5.12) of the respective plates to the lateral surface is larger than the distance of a rear side of the plates to a front side (4.1) of the screen in the starting position.