Flushing Tank Sensor Assembly for Water Level Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing tanks for sanitary appliances lack effective water level measurement and remote monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to detect leaks, monitor consumption, and require periodic calibration of level sensors, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A flushing tank equipped with a sensor assembly using pressure and optical sensors to detect water levels, coupled with a control unit that communicates wirelessly to a remote server for data processing and control, allowing for remote operation and self-adjustment to different installation conditions without the need for physical modifications or operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If level sensors are placed inside the flushing tank, then water level measurement is enabled, but installation and maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the level sensors inside the tank and the external control unit. This mediator transmits measurement data without requiring physical access to the tank interior, thus enabling accurate measurement while maintaining ease of installation and maintenance through external access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable connections and physical access requirements with wireless communication technology. By substituting mechanical connection methods with wireless data transmission, the system enables level sensing inside the tank while eliminating the need for physical access to install and maintain the sensors.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration of level sensors is performed, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operational convenience and time efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration functionality where the control unit automatically adjusts sensor parameters based on stored reference data without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by comparing current sensor readings with pre-stored calibration values and automatically compensating for drift or displacement, eliminating time-consuming manual calibration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors sensor performance against reference calibration data and automatically adjusts measurements. This closed-loop feedback system maintains measurement accuracy by detecting and compensating for sensor drift without requiring manual recalibration, thus saving operator time while preserving precision.
3Reliability
If traditional flush valve control components are used, then reliable water discharge control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flush valve control components with an electronically controlled actuator driven by the control unit. This substitution maintains reliable water discharge control through precise electronic signal management while reducing mechanical complexity and the number of physical components required in the flush valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single control unit that manages both the flush valve actuator and water level sensing. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable control through centralized electronic management.
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
Enables precise control of water discharge, remote monitoring, and automatic calibration of sensors, reducing water waste, detecting leaks, and providing predictive maintenance, while simplifying the design and installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly (27), which detects the water level in the cistern (3)
Implementation Method 2
The control unit (26) can also provide a number of other functions, thus communicating the current and past states of the cistern, particularly using wireless protocols, to a remote server
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A flushing tank (1) comprises a cistern (3), a flush valve (10) having a shutter member (14) movable to selectively open and close a drainage hole (6), and a control system (2) for controlling the flush valve (10); the control system (2) comprises an actuator assembly (25) cooperating with the shutter member (14) of the flush valve (10), a control unit (26) controlling the actuator assembly (25), and a sensor assembly (27) connected to the control unit (26) for sending to the control unit (26) measures of the water level in the cistern (3); the sensor assembly (27) comprises at least one pressure sensor (53) configured for measuring a water level in the cistern (3), and a pair of optical sensors (55, 56) positioned spaced apart from each other on the support body (51) at different heights with respect to a bottom wall (7) of the cistern (3), for calibrating the pressure sensor (53) .