Self-Powered Flush Tank Generator Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flush water tank apparatuses struggle to generate sufficient electrical power for operation in environments with no external power supply, especially due to reduced water usage in modern, water-conserving flush toilets, leading to increased pressure losses and potential failure of hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a generator positioned on a water conduit downstream of a branching portion, allowing electrical power generation without imparting pressure losses to the water flow, and an electromagnetic valve operated by this power to control the discharge valve, ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a generator is provided on the low tank apparatus to generate electrical power by water flow, then the apparatus can operate without external power supply, but the reduced water amount causes increased pressure losses in the generator, weakening the water force and making valve operation impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The water conduit is segmented into multiple sections: upstream conduit before the generator, downstream conduit after the generator, and a bypass conduit that allows water to flow around the generator. This segmentation enables selective routing of water flow to maintain pressure for valve operation while still allowing power generation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow control valve is introduced as an intermediary device to regulate and distribute water flow between the generator and the bypass path. This intermediary component enables dynamic control of water routing, allowing the system to switch between power generation mode and pressure maintenance mode as needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the generator is placed on the water conduit to generate electrical power, then self-powered operation is achieved, but the generator imparts pressure losses to the water flow, reducing the force available for hydraulic cylinder operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control valve acts as an intermediary that dynamically balances water flow between the generator and the hydraulic system. By adjusting the valve opening, the system can control the proportion of water diverted to the generator versus the bypass path, thereby balancing power generation needs with pressure maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the flow control valve can adjust water distribution in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions, optimizing both power generation and hydraulic pressure availability as needed.
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
This configuration enables the flush water tank apparatus to supply flush water to a flush toilet using self-generated electrical power, overcoming the limitations of reduced water pressure and ensuring consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (16) generating electrical power by using water flow
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic valve (20) controlling to open and to close the discharge control device (118)
Implementation Method 3
a discharge valve hydraulic drive portion (14) driving the discharge valve (12) by utilizing a supply pressure of supplied tap water
Data Source
AI summary
A flush water tank apparatus supplying flush water to a flush toilet by using electrical power generated in the flush water tank apparatus, and a flush toilet apparatus including the flush water tank apparatus are provided. The flush water tank apparatus includes a discharge valve hydraulic drive portion, a discharge control device, an electromagnetic valve, a branching portion causing supplied tap water to flow into the discharge control device and into the water supply valve respectively, and a generator generating electrical power to operate the electromagnetic valve. The generator is provided on a water conduit in a downstream side of the branching portion, and on the water conduit in an upstream side of the water supply valve or in a downstream side of the water supply valve.