Flush Actuator Sensor Angling and Dual-Mode Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush valves struggle to combine water conservation of dual mode operation with the reliability of manual actuation and the ease of use and hygiene of automatic actuation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic actuation assembly for flush valves is developed, incorporating a sensor unit with angled emitters and receivers to reduce false triggering, a motor and gear train assembly for automated actuation, and a manual actuation mechanism with a button and arm system for dual flush volume control, allowing for both automatic and manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic actuation with sensor is used, then ease of use and hygiene are improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to false triggering from reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful effect of specular reflection (which causes false triggering) into a beneficial geometric configuration. The sensor and emitter are positioned at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the reflective surface, such that specularly reflected rays are directed away from the sensor aperture rather than back into it. This geometric arrangement transforms the potentially harmful reflection into a non-interfering path, allowing automatic actuation to operate reliably without being triggered by reflective surfaces like doors or tiles.
2Loss of substance
If dual mode flush valve is used, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Dynamics' principle by implementing a dual-mode flush valve that can dynamically switch between two operational states: a full flush mode and a reduced flush mode. The valve mechanism includes a plunger with different travel distances or positions that can be selectively actuated, allowing the system to adapt its water discharge volume based on user selection or sensor detection. This dynamic capability enables water conservation by providing a lower-volume flush option when appropriate, while maintaining the capability for full flush when needed, all within a single integrated valve assembly.
3Reliability
If manual actuation mechanism is included, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Universality' principle by designing an actuator assembly that integrates multiple functions into a single device. The assembly includes both automatic actuation components (sensor, emitter, motor-driven plunger) and manual actuation components (push button, mechanical linkage) that share common structural elements and the same plunger mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the system to operate in automatic mode for hygiene and convenience, or switch to manual mode for reliability and user control, without requiring separate independent systems. The shared plunger and valve mechanism reduce overall complexity compared to having entirely separate automatic and manual systems.
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 solution enables reliable automatic actuation while maintaining user control, conserving water by allowing selection between high and low flush volumes, and reducing false triggering from reflective surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor receiver is positioned to not receive rays emitted by the at least one emitter that are specularly reflected
Data Source
AI summary
A flush actuator for engaging a flush valve. The flush actuator provides a mechanism assembly for automatically flushing the flush valve. A sensor provides a presence detection to trigger the automatic flushing. Redundant manual activation is provided.