Toilet Flush Control System Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated and digitized flushing systems in public toilets are prone to unnecessary water usage, especially by children, leading to significant water consumption due to uncontrolled operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a normal mode and locking mode, featuring a control panel with a lock button linked to a control unit for data exchange, allowing users to switch between modes to prevent uncontrolled water discharge, including touch-operated and non-contact activation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If automated flushing systems with sensors are used, then hygiene is improved and manual contact is eliminated, but water consumption increases due to unnecessary flushing by children
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameter of the flushing system by introducing two distinct modes: normal mode where automatic flushing is enabled, and locking mode where automatic flushing is disabled. The control unit switches between these modes based on signals from the lock button, thereby changing the system's response parameter to sensor activation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain hygiene benefits while preventing excessive water consumption during locking mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic controllability by allowing the operational state to change between normal mode and locking mode through the lock button. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt its behavior - being automatic in normal mode for hygiene purposes, and being locked in locking mode to prevent unnecessary water usage. The control unit dynamically adjusts the system's responsiveness to sensor inputs based on the current mode.
2Ease of operation
If touch-operated discharge buttons are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel serves multiple functions: it houses both the discharge button for normal operation and the lock button for mode switching. The control unit performs multiple tasks - detecting sensor activation, determining current operational mode, deciding whether to activate flushing based on mode status, and managing the overall control logic. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system provided is suitable for use in the automated and/or digitized flushing systems with at least one reservoir for the collection of the water to be used in cleaning the toilet bowl, wherein the discharge of the water is realized automatically by at least one sensor and/or digitally by a discharge button operating in a touch-operated manner, and the control system has—a normal mode in which the water is discharged every time the discharge button and/or the sensor is/are triggered and a locking mode in which the discharge of the water within the reservoir is prevented every time the discharge button and/or the sensor is/are triggered. Owing to the control system and the method of operation disclosed herein, it is possible to regulate the operation of a flushing system according to need.