Flush Valve Actuating Unit With Decoupled Mounting and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating units for flush valves in cisterns suffer from warping during assembly, leading to misalignment of actuation keys and increased actuation force, compromising functionality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An actuating unit design that mechanically decouples the support element for mounting from the functional unit for actuation, using a support element with a bearing receptacle and a functional unit with a bearing element, featuring a pivotably mounted actuating plate that actuates a push rod, with the functional unit having greater stiffness to ensure reliable flushing and the support element being slightly elastic to accommodate assembly tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuating buttons are directly mounted on the button frame, then the structure is simple, but the button frame warps during assembly causing misalignment and increased actuation force
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent parts: a support element for mounting and a functional unit for actuation. The functional unit is inserted into a bearing receptacle on the support element, allowing the actuating plates to pivot independently without being affected by warping of the support element. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the actuation mechanism from the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing receptacle and bearing element act as intermediaries between the support element and the functional unit. The bearing element with pivot bearing points provides a stable interface that decouples the functional unit from the support element, preventing warping effects from transmitting to the actuating mechanism while maintaining reliable alignment.
2Reliability
If the button frame is made rigid to prevent warping, then alignment is maintained, but assembly tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the device have different stiffness properties tailored to their specific functions. The support element is designed to be slightly elastic to compensate for assembly tolerances and accommodate warping, while the functional unit is designed to be rigid to maintain precise alignment of the actuating mechanism. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support element is made elastic to accommodate assembly tolerances, then adaptability improves, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a flexible support element and a rigid functional unit. The support element's elasticity provides adaptability for assembly tolerance compensation, while the rigid functional unit maintains structural stability for the actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its mechanical properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed with local elasticity to accommodate assembly tolerances at the mounting interface, while the functional unit maintains local rigidity to ensure stable actuation. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve adaptability and stability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the functional unit is made rigid for reliable actuation, then actuation precision improves, but sensitivity to support element deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element with pivot bearing points serves as an intermediary that isolates the rigid functional unit from deformations in the support element. The bearing receptacle and bearing element create a decoupled interface that protects the precision actuation mechanism from harmful deformation effects while allowing the functional unit to maintain its rigid structure for precise actuation.
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 design allows for reliable and efficient actuation of flush valves with minimal deformation, maintaining alignment and reducing actuation force, while being adaptable to various installation situations.
Implementation Method 1
The support element is preferably designed to be slightly elastic so that it can compensate for tolerances that occur during assembly
Implementation Method 2
The at least one actuating plate is pivotably mounted on the functional unit about a pivot axis via at least one pivot bearing point
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating unit (1) for actuating a flush valve in a cistern comprises a support element (2) with at least one fastening element (3) for fastening the support element (2) and with a bearing receptacle (4), a functional unit (5) insertable into the bearing receptacle (4) with a bearing element (6) and with at least one actuating lever (7) mounted on the bearing element (6) for actuating a push rod (8) acting on the flush valve, and at least one actuating plate (9), wherein the at least one actuating plate (9) is pivotably mounted on the functional unit (5) about a pivot axis (S) from an initial position to a flushing position via at least one pivot bearing point (10), and wherein the at least one actuating plate (9) acts with its rear side (11) on the at least one actuating lever (7) and pivots it towards the support element (2) when moving from the initial position to the flushing position, such thatthat the push rod (8) can be operated.