Flush Water Tank Piston Stabilization via Segmented Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flush water tank apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-86180 experiences unstable piston operation due to sudden fluctuations in water supply pressure, leading to potential malfunction and poor toilet washing performance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a reservoir tank with a discharge valve and a hydraulic drive portion featuring a piston, rod, and elastic member, along with separate inlet and second discharge parts to buffer pressure fluctuations, stabilizing the piston's operation and reducing pressure instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a small hole for relief is provided in the hydraulic cylinder, then the structure is simple, but the piston operation becomes unstable when water supply pressure suddenly fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The single relief hole is segmented into multiple discharge paths: the first discharge part (original small hole 23a) and the second discharge part (newly added hole 23b). This segmentation allows the system to handle pressure fluctuations more effectively by providing multiple escape routes for water, thereby stabilizing piston operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different discharge parts are provided with different local characteristics: the first discharge part has a smaller diameter for normal operation, while the second discharge part has a larger diameter to handle sudden pressure fluctuations. This local differentiation enables the system to respond appropriately to varying pressure conditions without overcomplicating the overall structure.
2Device complexity
If the hydraulic cylinder uses a single discharge part, then the device complexity is low, but the pressure fluctuations in flush water cannot be effectively restrained
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented into two distinct parts: the first discharge part for normal water flow and the second discharge part for pressure relief. This segmentation enables the system to effectively restrain pressure fluctuations by providing dedicated pathways for different operational conditions, reducing the harmful impact of pressure surges on piston stability.
3Speed
If the piston is directly actuated by tap water pressure, then the response is fast, but sudden pressure rises cause unstable piston operation and potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The second discharge part is designed to provide beforehand cushioning against sudden pressure rises. When pressure fluctuates suddenly, the larger diameter of the second discharge part allows rapid water escape, cushioning the pressure impact before it can cause unstable piston operation or malfunction, while the piston maintains its fast response capability through the first discharge part.
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 effectively reduces the likelihood of discharge valve malfunction and ensures stable flush water supply to the toilet, enhancing washing performance by mitigating the impact of sudden pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is provided on the piston and has a sealing function between the piston and an inner wall of the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a piston that is slidably disposed in the cylinder and moves from a first position to a second position by the flush water flowing into the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a flush water tank apparatus capable of restraining instability of an operation of a piston and restraining fluctuations in a water pressure of flush water discharged from a first discharge part provided separately from an inlet, and a flush toilet apparatus including the flush water tank apparatus. A discharge valve hydraulic drive portion of a flush water tank apparatus of the present invention includes a cylinder, a piston, and a rod extending from the piston through a through-hole portion formed in the cylinder, the cylinder including an inlet into which flush water flows, a first discharge part that is provided separately from the inlet to drain the flush water, and a second discharge part that is provided separately from the first discharge part and is formed between the rod and the through-hole portion and between the piston and the through-hole portion.