Flushing Tank Control Plate Assembly with Elastic Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control plate assemblies for flushing tanks are not easy to install, assemble, or access, and lack versatility for introducing service additives like sanitizing liquids or tablets.
Innovation Solution
A control plate assembly with a mounting counterplate and a control plate connected via a fastening system, including a rotatable support and a hinge element made of elastic material, allowing easy access and secure mounting to a wall or tank, enabling simple opening and closure for maintenance or refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional screw-fastened counterplate system is used, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastening mechanism from threaded screws to friction-based clamp arms that apply radial pressure. This parameter change from rotational fastening to linear clamping action simplifies installation while maintaining secure mounting through adjustable clamping force on the rear surface of the plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the main plate body by using separate, adjustable clamp arms that can be independently positioned and tightened. This separation allows for simpler assembly where the plate structure and mounting mechanism are decoupled, reducing overall installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the plate is made removable for access, then ease of operation improves, but mounting reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the clamp arms can be quickly adjusted between locked and released states. This allows the plate to transition between securely mounted and easily removable states, providing both mounting reliability during operation and ease of access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable clamp design allows operators to independently control the mounting security level based on operational needs. The system serves itself by providing both secure attachment and easy removal capabilities through the same mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fastening and release systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting positions are provided for versatility, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable clamp arms serve multiple functions: they provide secure fastening, allow positioning at different locations along the plate edges, and enable accommodation of various plate sizes. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized fastening systems for different mounting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple adjustable clamp units that can be independently positioned at different locations. This segmentation provides versatility for various mounting positions while keeping each individual clamp unit simple in design, avoiding the complexity of a single complex multi-position mechanism.
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 assembly is easy to make, assemble, and install, providing efficient and reliable access to the tank interior for service additive refills while ensuring secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge element (30), made of an elastic material, for movably connecting the plate to the counterplate
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A control plate assembly (1) of a flashing tank comprises a mounting counterplate (2), having an annular frame (10) that delimits an opening (11), and a control plate (3) connected to the counterplate (2) via a fastening system (4) which comprises a hinge element (30), that extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and has two opposite lateral ends (32, 33) hinged to the counterplate (2) by means of first rotation elements (51, 52) and to the plate (3) by means of second rotation elements (53, 54), respectively, said first and second rotation elements (51, 52; 53, 54) defining respective parallel rotation axes arranged in the opening (11) in an intermediate position between two lateral sides (16) of the counterplate (2) that delimit the opening (11).