Dual Mode Flush Valve Handle Assembly with Angled Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual mode flush valves fail to provide user-selectable flush volumes effectively, as they either result in variable and unpredictable flow volumes or require specific handle release techniques, and lack a mechanism to alter relief valve reseating time based on user selection.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode flush valve design featuring a valve body with a pressure chamber and a telescoping relief valve system, where the plunger is mounted in a bushing with overlapping bores defining horizontal and angled axes, allowing the plunger to tilt and change the relief valve's reseating time based on handle actuation direction, enabling user-selectable flush volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the relief valve sleeve is tilted a small or large amount, then the handle movement is limited, but the relief valve still cannot reseat until either the diaphragm lifts the sleeve clear of the plunger or the user releases the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing passage is configured to allow the plunger to dynamically change its angular position based on handle actuation direction. The passage includes a first portion and a second portion at an angle to each other, enabling the plunger to align with different axes depending on whether a first or second direction is pushed, thereby controlling the relief valve reseating timing dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the angular parameter of the plunger alignment by providing a bushing passage with portions at different angles. This allows the plunger to change its angular position relative to the relief valve sleeve, enabling controlled variation in reseating time based on the direction of handle actuation
2Device complexity
If the plunger moves only along a horizontal axis, then the construction is simple, but pushing or pulling the handle in a horizontal plane will not activate the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing passage transitions from a single horizontal axis to a multi-axis configuration by including a first portion and a second portion at an angle to each other. This dimensional change in the passage geometry enables the plunger to move along different angular axes, allowing handle actuation in multiple directions including vertical pushes
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual mode operation is implemented with different leg lengths, then flush volume selection is possible, but the plunger moves only along a horizontal axis regardless of handle actuation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to dynamically adjust its angular alignment within the bushing passage based on the direction of handle actuation. The angled passage configuration allows the plunger to naturally align with different axes depending on whether the user pushes in the first or second direction, providing intuitive directional control for flush volume selection
Data Source
AI summary
A dual mode flush valve includes a handle assembly having a handle, a bushing and a plunger. The bushing has a sleeve with a passage therethrough for mounting the plunger for sliding and tilting. The passage is defined by first and second partially overlapping bores that coincide at the inner end of the sleeve and are spaced one above the other at the outer end of the sleeve. The bores define a horizontal plunger travel axis and an angled plunger travel axis. Depending on which direction the user actuates the handle the plunger will travel along one of these axes. Travel along the angled axis will lower the plunger tip, allowing earlier clearance of a relief valve and a reduced flow through the flush valve compared to actuation with the plunger travel along the horizontal axis.