Flush Valve Hose Bibb Adapter for Restroom Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial restrooms often lack a direct water source for cleaning, as most prior art designs rely on flush valves attached to plumbing fixtures for toilets or urinals, which are not suitable for on-demand water supply.
Innovation Solution
The method involves removing an automatic flush valve from an existing plumbing fixture and replacing it with a flush valve water supply hose bibb, which allows for a direct water source for maintenance and cleaning purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an automatic flush valve is used to supply water to a toilet or urinal fixture, then the flushing function is provided, but no direct water source is available for cleaning the restroom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts a single-function flush valve into a multi-functional water supply system. The adapter assembly enables the existing flush valve to serve both its original flushing function and provide a direct water source for cleaning operations through an integrated hose bibb outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple functional components within the existing flush valve structure. The adapter assembly, hose bibb, and connector components are integrated within the flush valve housing, allowing the new cleaning water source to be embedded within the existing fixture without requiring separate external installations.
2Ease of operation
If a flush valve is replaced with a hose bibb, then a direct water source for cleaning is provided, but the automatic flushing function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate functions into a single integrated system. The adapter assembly combines the flush valve mechanism with a hose bibb outlet, allowing both automatic flushing and manual cleaning water supply to coexist through the same water supply connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified fixture serves dual purposes: maintaining its original automatic flushing function while simultaneously providing a direct water source for cleaning operations. This eliminates the need to choose between flushing capability and cleaning access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter assembly is installed within the flush valve, then multi-functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into distinct modular components including the adapter body, hose bibb, connector, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and replacement of individual components while maintaining the overall integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges the existing flush valve infrastructure and the new hose bibb functionality. This mediator approach allows integration without requiring complete system replacement, thereby managing complexity through a dedicated interface component.
Data Source
AI summary
A flush valve water supply hose bibb adapted to replace an automatic flush valve, and the method of removing an automatic flush valve from an existing plumbing fixture and installing the water supply hose bibb in its place, to thereby provide a direct water source to a commercial restroom for maintenance servicing and cleaning purposes.