Flush Valve Assembly Rigid Linkage Actuator

Solution Overview

Problem

Toilets with float-controlled flush valves lack reliable flapper control, leading to inconsistent water consumption and poor flush performance due to limited and unreliable float control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A flush valve assembly featuring a rigid linkage and electronic actuator, controlled by a microcontroller or printed circuit board, which allows for precise control of the flush valve seal's ascent and descent, enabling reliable and efficient water management through programmable time intervals and flush volumes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a float mechanism is used to control the flush valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of flapper control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism complexityVSAvoidflapper control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional float mechanism with an electronic control system comprising a microcontroller, solenoid valve, and rigid linkage. This substitution of mechanical floating control with an electronically controlled rigid linkage system provides reliable and precise control over the flapper's ascent and descent, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If float control is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the flush performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflush performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional float mechanism with an electronic control system comprising a microcontroller, solenoid valve, and rigid linkage. This substitution of mechanical floating control with an electronically controlled rigid linkage system provides reliable and precise control over the flapper's ascent and descent, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If float elevation is used to control water consumption, then the device complexity is reduced, but the water consumption control reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidwater consumption control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional float mechanism with an electronic control system comprising a microcontroller, solenoid valve, and rigid linkage. This substitution of mechanical floating control with an electronically controlled rigid linkage system provides reliable and precise control over the flapper's ascent and descent, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a rigid linkage with electronic actuator is used, then the reliability of flush valve control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflush valve control reliabilityVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional float mechanism with an electronic control system comprising a microcontroller, solenoid valve, and rigid linkage. This substitution of mechanical floating control with an electronically controlled rigid linkage system provides reliable and precise control over the flapper's ascent and descent, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a solenoid valve as an intermediary component between the electronic control system and the mechanical flapper assembly. The solenoid valve translates electrical signals from the microcontroller into mechanical motion through the rigid linkage, providing a reliable interface that enhances control reliability while managing the complexity of the electronic-mechanical integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides reliable and controlled operation of the flush valve, optimizing water consumption and flush performance by allowing precise control over the flush valve seal's movement, reducing water waste and enhancing overall toilet functionality.