Dual-Actuator Flush Valve Assembly for Power-Loss Manual Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern flushometer flush valves require a large water supply line and rely on water pressure, lacking the capability to perform both automatic and manual flush cycles, especially when a power source is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A flush valve apparatus with a housing containing a flush valve assembly that integrates a sensor, electrical actuator, and mechanical actuator, allowing for both automatic and manual flush cycles, featuring a manifold for fluid communication and a flange to manage moisture, with components like a plunger and O-rings for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flushometer flush valve is used to provide high-pressure flush, then flush performance is improved, but the device requires a large water supply line and cannot perform manual flush cycles when power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The flush valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: automatic flush cycles using an electrical actuator and manual flush cycles using a mechanical actuator. This multi-functionality allows the single device to operate reliably whether power is available or not, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Extent of automation
If an electrical actuator is added to enable automatic flush cycles, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical actuator and mechanical actuator are merged into a single actuator assembly that shares common components including the plunger, seal, and fluid communication pathways. This integration allows automatic and manual flush capabilities to coexist without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 independent performance of automatic and manual flush cycles, ensuring functionality even without a power source, with a design that maintains operational reliability and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A flange may comprise a channel to wick away any moisture that may enter a housing from around the button
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is configured to activate the electrical actuator to initiate the automatic flush cycle
Implementation Method 3
water pressure in an upper chamber is in equilibrium with water pressure in a lower chamber, and presses down on a diaphragm or piston in a closed position
Implementation Method 4
the flush valve assembly comprises a sensor, a power source, and an electrical actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A flush valve apparatus comprising a housing and a flush valve assembly positioned within the housing, wherein the flush valve assembly is configured to independently perform an automatic flush cycle and a manual flush cycle, the flush valve assembly comprises a sensor, a power source, and an electrical actuator, the sensor is configured to activate the electrical actuator to initiate the automatic flush cycle, and the flush valve assembly comprises a mechanical actuator configured to initiate the manual flush cycle. An electrical actuator and a mechanical actuator may both be positioned in a manifold and arranged substantially vertically in the housing.