Integrated Flushing Device Float and Overflow Tube Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing devices require manual, independent adjustments of the overflow tube and small flush float, leading to potential inaccuracies in water evacuation volume, which can result in either too much or too little water being evacuated.
Innovation Solution
The flushing device integrates a mechanism where the adjustment of the overflow tube simultaneously sets the position of the small flush float, using a rib and lug system to guide the float and a screwable design for the overflow tube, allowing for precise adjustment of water evacuation volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the overflow tube and small flush float are adjusted independently through two separate manual steps, then the installer can adjust each component separately, but the adjustment precision deteriorates and the risk of incorrect water evacuation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment of the overflow tube and the small flush float into a single integrated operation. By merging these two previously independent adjustment steps into one synchronized action, the system ensures that both components are positioned correctly relative to each other, eliminating the cumulative errors that occur when adjustments are made separately. This directly resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that couples the overflow tube and small flush float adjustments. This intermediary system ensures that when one component is adjusted, the other is automatically positioned accordingly, providing a reliable link between the two adjustments and preventing incorrect water evacuation volume settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the overflow tube and small flush float are adjusted independently, then each component can be adjusted separately, but the device complexity increases due to multiple adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanisms for the overflow tube and small flush float into a single integrated system. This reduces the number of separate adjustment mechanisms from two to one, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust both components to achieve the desired water evacuation volume.
3Ease of operation
If two separate manual adjustment steps are required, then the installer can adjust each component independently, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate manual adjustment steps into a single synchronized adjustment operation. By integrating the adjustment mechanisms for the overflow tube and small flush float, the system allows both components to be positioned correctly in one operation, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining the necessary adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features that pre-establish the correct relationship between the overflow tube and small flush float. This preliminary action ensures that when the adjustment is made, both components are already positioned optimally relative to each other, reducing the time required for proper installation and adjustment.
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
This integrated adjustment method simplifies the process, ensuring accurate and precise control over the water volume evacuated during small flushes, facilitating easier installation and operation while maintaining compliance with standard water quantities.
Implementation Method 1
a lower flush float or an upper float during a full flush or partial flush respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has an overflow tube (2) with adjustable width, and a discharge valve (26) for closing a water discharge orifice (7) in closed position and releasing the orifice in open position. A small flush float (9) maintains the valve in open position, until a desired water volume is discharged. The position of the float is adjusted with respect to an envelope (14). The tube has a stop surface defining an adjustment position of the float, and a ring (25) moved between two positions, where a flange is placed on the ring. The stop surface corresponds to the flange. An independent claim is also included for a method for adjusting a flushing device during installation of the flushing device in a water tank of a sanitary appliance.