Actuation Device for Flushing Valve with Single Motor and Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing device actuation mechanisms are complex, leading to high production costs and susceptibility to errors, while electric motor-driven systems lack manual flow rate control and suffer from uncontrolled forces that reduce motor lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An automated, electrically driven actuating device with a single motor and coupling element between full-quantity and partial-quantity flushing levers, allowing for simple operation and extended service life by moving between only two positions, with a loose engagement mechanism to prevent excessive wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two tension elements are provided to trigger full and partial flushing separately, then both flushing modes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and production effort rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation of two flushing modes into a single actuating element with two distinct positions. Instead of using two separate tension elements and two actuation buttons, one actuating element is designed to trigger either full flushing or partial flushing depending on its position, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating element serves multiple functions by having two distinct positions: one position triggers full flushing and the other triggers partial flushing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each flushing mode, reducing the overall device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If a forced coupling between electric motor and drain valve is used, then automated flushing can be achieved, but uncontrolled forces act on the motor during closing, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic coupling mechanism where the actuating element is loosely engaged with the flushing lever rather than being firmly connected. This allows the system to adapt during operation: the motor drives the actuating element to lift the closure body, but during closing, the float's weight takes over, preventing uncontrolled forces from acting on the motor and thereby extending its service life.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical triggering mechanisms are used, then precise control of flushing volume can be achieved, but the susceptibility to errors increases for non-professional assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation mechanism into simple, distinct components: a single actuating element with two clearly defined positions. Each position corresponds to a specific flushing mode (full or partial), making the assembly and operation intuitive and less prone to errors by non-professional installers, while still maintaining precise control over flushing volumes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An actuating device (1) for actuating a drain assembly of a flushing device for selectively triggering a full-volume flush or a partial-volume flush by lifting a closing element of the drain assembly comprises a full-volume flush lever (2) for triggering a full-volume flush and a partial-volume flush lever (3) for triggering a partial-volume flush. The full-volume flush lever (2) is movable from a rest position to a full-volume flush position, and the partial-volume flush lever (3) is movable from a rest position to a partial-volume flush position.The actuating device (1) further comprises a single drive, preferably a motor (4), with an output element (5) which engages the full-quantity flushing lever (2) or the partial-quantity flushing lever (3) and serves to move the driven lever, wherein the partial-quantity flushing lever (3) and the full-quantity flushing lever (2) are connected to each other by a coupling element (6), so that the movement of the flushing lever (2, 3) driven by the output element (5) can be transferred to the other flushing lever (3, 2) detached from the output element (5).