Flush Valve Housing Connection Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing valve arrangements for devices like urinals are not safe, as they allow accidental water damage when the shut-off valve is not closed before the controllable valve is removed, leading to potential water leaks during maintenance or revision.
Innovation Solution
A flushing valve arrangement with a blocking element that secures the connection between housing parts, allowing the second housing part and controllable valve to be removed only when the shut-off valve is closed, using a locking element that locks the parts together when the shut-off valve is open and releases when it is closed, preventing unintended separation and ensuring water safety during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the connection between housing parts is made easily detachable for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the risk of accidental water damage increases when the shut-off valve is not closed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to automatically prevent detachment of the second housing part when the shut-off valve is open. The blocking element's geometry is such that it physically blocks the locking element from disengaging when the shut-off valve is in the open position, thereby preventing accidental water damage before maintenance can be performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires the shut-off valve to be closed before the connection can be detached. This preliminary action (closing the valve) must be completed before the blocking element allows the locking element to disengage, ensuring that the water supply is stopped before maintenance begins.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking element is introduced to prevent accidental detachment, then water damage risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is integrated into the existing connection mechanism between the first and second housing parts. Rather than adding a completely separate safety system, the blocking element is combined with the locking element and shut-off valve assembly, allowing one component to serve multiple functions: preventing accidental detachment while maintaining the ease of connection during proper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element automatically responds to the position of the shut-off valve without requiring additional control mechanisms. When the shut-off valve is open, the blocking element's position is determined by the valve's state, automatically preventing detachment. When the shut-off valve is closed, the blocking element allows detachment. This self-regulating behavior reduces the need for complex control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The valve arrangement (1) has a water channel (15) which runs in two housing pieces (10a,10b). A connection (37) is provided between the both housing pieces. The arrangement has a non-return valve (14) in the former housing piece and a controllable valve (7) in the latter housing piece. The connection is locked with a locking element which co-operates with the non-return valve. The connection is unsolvable with opened non-return valve and is solvable with closed non-return valve. An independent claim is included for a flushing device with an operating unit.