Flush Valve Bypass Flow Path Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-generating flush valves require regular use to maintain battery power, leading to insufficient power for maximum flow rate when not used for extended periods, and reducing drive voltage to conserve power decreases operating speed and flow rate.

Innovation Solution

A flush valve design with a pressure loss member on the downstream side of the main valve body, where the bypass flow path connects to the secondary side flow path downstream of the pressure loss member, allowing quick water evacuation from the back pressure chamber and maintaining high force flush water flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the bypass flow path is connected upstream of the pressure loss member, then the electromagnetic valve can operate with sufficient power, but water accumulates upstream of the pressure loss member slowing main valve body displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemain valve body displacement speedVSAvoidwater accumulation upstream

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure loss member acts as an intermediary element that strategically blocks the upstream flow path, forcing water to accumulate downstream instead. This mediator prevents water from gathering in the critical upstream region near the electromagnetic valve, thereby maintaining rapid main valve body displacement while still allowing the electromagnetic valve to function with adequate power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of connecting the bypass flow path upstream of the pressure loss member (conventional approach), the invention inverts the connection point to downstream of the pressure loss member. This inversion changes the flow dynamics so that water drains quickly through the bypass path without accumulating upstream, enabling the main valve body to displace rapidly while preserving electromagnetic valve power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Use of energy by moving object

If drive voltage is reduced to conserve battery power, then battery life extends, but electromagnetic valve operating speed and flow rate decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidelectromagnetic valve operating speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the pressure loss member from the upstream flow path and relocates it to the downstream side. This extraction removes the flow resistance from the critical region where water accumulates, allowing the electromagnetic valve to operate with sufficient power and maintain high operating speed even when battery voltage naturally discharges over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the bypass flow path connects upstream of the pressure loss member, then the electromagnetic valve receives sufficient power, but foreign objects can enter the pressure loss member causing equipment failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment reliabilityVSAvoidforeign object intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure loss member serves as a protective intermediary positioned downstream, where it can intercept and block foreign objects from entering the internal components. By placing this mediator in the downstream position rather than upstream, the system maintains equipment reliability while preventing foreign object intrusion into sensitive parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the provision of high force flush water by ensuring quick displacement of the main valve body to the open position, maintaining maximum instantaneous flow rate and preventing equipment failure from foreign objects.

Implementation Method 1

water flows to the secondary side flow path, and spouting current therefrom turns an impeller to generate electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater flow kinetic energy conversion: Water Turbine

Implementation Method 2

water in the back pressure chamber passes through the bypass flow path and flows out to the secondary side flow path, which is at a lower pressure than the back pressure chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10151089B2Flush valve

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 TOTO LTD

AI summary

A flush valve for a toilet, the flush valve including a main valve unit for causing a main valve body to reciprocate between a closed position and an open position in response to pressure inside a back pressure chamber communicating with a primary side flow path thereby opening and closing a flow path between the primary side flow path and the secondary side flow path. The flush valve further including a sub-valve unit having a sub-valve body for opening and closing a bypass flow path connecting the back pressure chamber and the secondary side flow path. The flush valve further including a generating unit disposed on the downstream side of the main valve unit and serving as flow path resistance on the secondary side flow path. Wherein the bypass flow path is connected to the secondary side flow path downstream of the generating unit.