Actuator for flush valve using pressure differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush valve actuators for toilet cisterns lack efficient remote control and automatic operation mechanisms, leading to inefficient water management and flushing processes.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system featuring a solenoid valve, piston, and connecting rod that uses water pressure differences to move the piston between positions, opening and closing the flush valve, and includes a spring for resilient biasing, allowing for remote operation and efficient water flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual flush valve operation is used, then the structure is simple, but remote control and automatic operation are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system that uses water pressure differential to drive a piston, which in turn operates the flush valve. The solenoid valve controls water flow to create pressure differences that automatically actuate the flush mechanism without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes hydraulic principles by using water pressure differential across a piston to generate mechanical motion. The solenoid-controlled inlet and outlet create varying pressure zones that move the piston between positions, converting fluid pressure into mechanical action for remote and automatic flush valve operation.
2Productivity
If water pressure is continuously applied to both sides of the piston, then the piston remains stable, but the flush valve cannot be actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternately opening and closing the solenoid valve to create cyclic pressure differential across the piston. This periodic variation in water pressure drives the piston back and forth, enabling repeated actuation of the flush valve while maintaining reliable sealing through controlled pressure cycles.
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
Enables remote and automatic control of the flush valve, optimizing water usage by ensuring the piston moves based on pressure changes, effectively opening and closing the valve to manage water flow and refill the cistern efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is a solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
opening and closing the valve alters the pressure applied to the second side of the piston head, such that, in use, the piston head moves when the valve is opened or closed
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This invention provides an actuator for a flush valve, the actuator (1) including: a housing (3) defining a chamber (5); a piston (37) having a head (39) received in the chamber (5) and a connecting rod 43 extending from the piston head (39). The piston head (39) is arranged to move within the chamber (5), between a first position and a second position, and a connecting rod (43) is configured to actuate a flush mechanism of the flush valve as the piston head moves between the first position and the second position. The actuator also includes an inlet (7) for providing water under pressure into the chamber to a first side of the piston head; an outlet (9) from the chamber from a second side of the piston head, opposite the first side. The actuator also includes a valve for opening and closing the outlet, wherein opening and closing the valve alters the pressure applied to the second side of the piston head, such that, in use, the piston head moves when the valve is opened or closed.