Flush Valve Actuator with Adjustable Plunger Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flush valves in plumbing devices face challenges in efficiently managing fluid flow and flush volumes due to limitations in actuator mechanisms, which restrict the ability to adjust flow rates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flush actuator assembly with a base, plunger rod, and handle that allows for adjustable displacement within a bore, enabling different flush volumes by altering the plunger rod's offset within the bore, and utilizing a beveled nose and spring mechanism to control the relief valve post displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flush actuator mechanism is used, then the valve can be actuated to flush, but the ability to adjust flush volumes and control flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger rod is made movable within the bore with adjustable positioning. The rod can be positioned at different locations along the bore axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the relief valve activation point. This enables variable flush volumes without changing the overall actuator structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the relief valve remains open longer to increase flush volume, then more water flows through the valve, but water usage increases and flush efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The position of the plunger rod along the bore axis is changed to control when the relief valve closes. By adjusting this parameter (plunger rod position), the system optimizes the balance between flush volume and water consumption. The plunger rod can be positioned to achieve optimal flush performance with minimized water usage.
3Quantity of substance
If the plunger rod is positioned to enable greater flush volume, then more water flows through the valve, but control precision over flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bore is divided into multiple positioning zones along its length, with each zone corresponding to a specific flush volume range. The plunger rod can be positioned at discrete locations within these zones, providing precise control over flow rate while maintaining the ability to deliver various flush volumes. This segmentation enables both volume control and precision.
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 precise control over fluid flow by allowing selection of flush volumes based on handle direction, optimizing flow rates and reducing water usage through earlier closure of the relief valve.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a beveled nose and spring mechanism to control the relief valve post displacement
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a beveled nose and spring mechanism to control the relief valve post displacement
Data Source
AI summary
A flush actuator for use with a flush valve includes: a) a base having a bore extending therethrough between a lower portion and an upper portion; b) a plunger rod positioned within and guided by the bore of the base; and c) a handle mounted to the base, which when moved displaces the plunger rod within the bore of the base. The upper portion of the base includes a beveled nose extending from an end thereof beyond the lower portion. The plunger rod includes a body portion having a first diameter and a recessed area formed in the body portion with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.