Toilet Flush Valve Reducing Cross Section Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional canister type flush valves face challenges in achieving efficient water flow due to design constraints, such as requiring non-standard fittings and affecting aesthetics, and the guide on the valve seat can impede flow, complicating design revisions.
Innovation Solution
A flush valve design featuring a mounting with a tapered passage below the valve seat and a guide portion that narrows from a diameter of 2.9 inches to 2.3 inches, allowing for smooth transition of water flow without impedance, and using a bayonet style attachment for cost-effectiveness and compatibility with standard fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the diameter of the entry to the bowl's rear extension is increased to achieve sufficient initial flow, then water flow rate is improved, but non-standard fittings are required and aesthetics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is divided into two distinct sections: a larger diameter section at the valve seat (above 2.9 inches) for initial high flow, and a smaller diameter section below (below 2.3 inches) that connects to standard bowl fittings. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates without requiring non-standard fittings throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the passage have different diameters optimized for different functions. The upper section has a larger diameter to maximize initial flow when the valve opens, while the lower section has a smaller diameter compatible with standard fittings. This local variation in geometry allows the system to achieve high productivity without compromising ease of manufacture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a guide is positioned on the valve seat to insure vertical movement of the valve body, then valve positioning stability is improved, but the guide impedes water flow and complicates design revisions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide function is extracted from the valve seat and relocated to the valve body itself. The valve body includes a guide portion that extends downward into the passage, providing the necessary vertical movement guidance without requiring a separate guide structure on the valve seat that would impede flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion of the valve body acts as an intermediary element that provides vertical positioning stability while minimizing interference with water flow. By positioning the guide on the moving valve body rather than on the stationary valve seat, the guide follows the flow path and creates less resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the through passage diameter is reduced below 2.3 inches to maintain standard fittings, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water flow rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The passage is segmented into upper and lower sections with different diameters. The upper section maintains a larger diameter (above 2.9 inches) to ensure high flow rate, while the lower section uses a smaller diameter (below 2.3 inches) for compatibility with standard fittings. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between flow rate and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage diameter parameter is changed along its length, transitioning from a larger diameter at the valve seat to a smaller diameter below. This parameter variation allows the system to achieve both high flow rates where needed and compatibility with standard fittings where required.
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
The design enhances water discharge flow rates without widening the bowl rear extension, maintaining aesthetics and water usage efficiency at a lower cost, while ensuring adequate flow even in low flush toilets.
Implementation Method 1
a through passage extending down from the valve seat... The through passage tapers below the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
The through passage tapers below the valve seat... allowing for smooth transition of water flow without impedance
Data Source
AI summary
A canister flush valve is disclosed with a valve seat modified to accommodate a greater initial surge of flow, without distorting flushing performance. There is a mounting at the bottom of a toilet tank that links to an outlet hole from the tank and forms a valve seat. A passageway through the mounting tapers in an arcuate manner below the valve seat. There is also a guide support structure in the passageway, preferably centered. The guide support structure also has a tapered leg.