Flush Water Volume Regulator Buoyancy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water conserving tanks face issues with buoyancy forces causing separation from their attachment position due to water level differentials during flush operations, and inefficient water circulation within the tank.
Innovation Solution
A flush water volume regulator with an opening-closing valve that reduces the opening surface area or blocks it when the water level drops, preventing excessive buoyancy and ensuring water circulation between the water reservoir and the flush water tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water conserving tank is designed with an intake port at the top end of the side surface, then water can be exchanged and circulation is improved, but the tank is subjected to buoyancy force when water level rises above the tank, causing separation from attachment position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the intake port at a specific height below the top edge of the water conserving tank, anticipating the water level rise that occurs during flushing. This pre-positioning prevents water from entering the tank during normal operation, thereby avoiding buoyancy forces that would cause separation, while still allowing water exchange when the water level drops below the intake port during flush cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the water conserving tank structure. The intake port is positioned in a specific location that allows it to serve dual purposes: enabling water circulation when needed while preventing buoyancy-induced separation. The bottom discharge port is similarly positioned to optimize water flow while maintaining structural stability.
2Productivity
If the water conserving tank discharges water from the bottom during flush, then flush water is supplied efficiently, but when water is supplied after discharge, water level rises above the tank creating water level differential and buoyancy force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by designing the water conserving tank with proper positioning relative to the water level in the flush tank. The tank is positioned and sized so that its top edge remains above the maximum water level, creating a counterbalancing effect that prevents water from rising into the tank and generating buoyancy forces that would overcome the attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the water conserving tank at an appropriate height and designing the intake port at a specific elevation below the tank's top edge. This anticipates the water level fluctuations during flushing and ensures that the tank remains in the correct position to receive water only when necessary, preventing buoyancy issues before they occur.
3Ease of operation
If the water conserving tank is positioned to allow water exchange, then water circulation is improved, but the tank separates from attachment position when subjected to buoyancy force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones: the water conserving tank is positioned with its top edge above the maximum water level to prevent buoyancy, while the intake port is positioned at an optimal height below the tank to enable water exchange. The bottom discharge port is similarly positioned to ensure efficient water flow while maintaining the tank's stable position during operation.
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 regulator effectively constrains buoyancy forces, preventing the water reservoir from floating and separating, while ensuring reliable circulation and regulation of flush water volume, maintaining stable operation and efficient water usage.
Implementation Method 1
the water conserving tank is subjected to buoyancy force, with the resultant problem that it separates from its attachment position
Implementation Method 2
the level of water stored inside the flush water tank rises above the water level inside the water conserving tank, resulting in a water level differential
Data Source
AI summary
A flush water volume regulator is provided, capable of constraining the occurrence of a buoyancy force acting on a water reservoir, whereby flush water in the water reservoir can be circulated with flush water in a flush water tank outside the water reservoir. The flush water volume regulator 38 of the invention has a water reservoir, being a water reservoir 40 disposed inside this flush water tank 16, capable of storing a predetermined amount of flush water, on which an opening 40a through which flush water within water reservoir 40 and flush water outside water reservoir 40 can pass, and an opening-closing valve 42 for opening 40a during the standby state before starting a flush and for blocking opening 40a or reducing the opening surface area of opening 40a when the water level inside flush water tank 16 is dropping after starting a flush.