Toilet Flushing Mechanism Lever Locking Traction Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-button flushing mechanisms for toilet tanks require complex height adjustments of the lever reverser system and pull rod, necessitating installer intervention for locking and unlocking during installation and operation, which complicates the installation process and may lead to errors.

Innovation Solution

A flushing mechanism with a toothed wheel centered on the axis of rotation, meshed with a rack carried by the push button, automatically locks the pull rod in place when the push button is in its rest position, eliminating the need for manual locking and unlocking, and allows automatic adjustment during installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the lever reverser system and pull rod are integrated into the hollow body, then the height of the cistern can be reduced, but the installer must manually lock and unlock the pull rod during installation and operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of the cisternVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lever automatically performs the locking and unlocking function of the pull rod without requiring installer intervention. When the push button is pressed, the lever rotates and automatically unlocks the pull rod; when the push button returns to its initial position, the lever automatically relocks the pull rod, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lever is pre-configured with a blocking position that automatically engages with the pull rod during installation. The blocking means are positioned in advance to ensure that when the push button is in its initial position, the pull rod is automatically locked without requiring any preliminary manual locking action by the installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pull rod height is adjustable during installation, then the mechanism can adapt to different tank sizes, but the installer must intervene to lock and unlock the pull rod position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tank sizesVSAvoidlocking and unlocking operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever with blocking means automatically manages the pull rod height adjustment and locking without installer intervention. The system self-regulates by using the push button operation to control the lever's rotation, which in turn automatically locks or unlocks the pull rod at the appropriate height for the specific tank configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lever transitions between a blocking position (when the push button is in its initial position) and a non-blocking position (when the push button is pressed), allowing the pull rod height to be dynamically adjusted and locked based on operational needs rather than requiring static pre-adjustment by the installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the lever occupies a blocking position in the rest position of the push button, then manual locking is eliminated, but the mechanism requires a toothed wheel and rack system increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of manual lockingVSAvoidtoothed wheel and rack system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toothed wheel is merged with the lever itself, and the rack is integrated with the push button assembly. This combination allows the lever to rotate along the rack's teeth, providing automatic locking and unlocking functionality while using a compact, integrated design rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The toothed wheel and rack system acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the linear motion of the push button into the rotational motion of the lever, enabling automatic engagement and disengagement of the blocking position without requiring direct manual intervention.

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

Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for manual locking and unlocking of the pull rod, ensuring correct positioning and operation without additional installer actions, while maintaining the mechanism's functionality and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the lever having a toothed wheel centered on the axis of rotation, the toothed wheel being meshed on a rack carried by the push button

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP3530823B1Water flushing mechanism with a system for locking a traction rod in position
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 WIRQUIN PLASTIQUES
  • EP3530823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3530823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3530823B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to a toilet flushing mechanism intended to be mounted on a toilet water tank (1), comprising: - a hollow body (20) intended to be fixed on a cover (10) of the tank; - at least one push button (2); - a frame (3) comprising a means for closing (30) an orifice (11) for the passage of water provided in a bottom (12) of the tank; - a transmission mechanism (4) between the push button(s) and the closing means, comprising a pull rod (42) coupled to the closing means, and a lever-operated reversing system housed in the hollow body; - means for locking (7) the height of the pull rod relative to the hollow body.