Flushing Device Valve Arrangement Hygiene

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flushing devices with valve arrangements for urinals, toilets, and bidets face challenges in drinking water hygiene and space efficiency, particularly in avoiding stagnant water and optimizing water flow, with existing designs being complex to assemble and adjust.

Innovation Solution

A flushing device with a valve arrangement where the inflow and outflow channels are aligned straight and parallel, allowing for easy rotation and connection from above or front, featuring a flexible flushing line with an arcuate section guided by a cable, ensuring optimal water flow and hygiene by preventing 'water pocket' formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inflow channel and outflow channel are arranged at right angles (prior art design), then the water flow path is extended, but this creates deflection and potential water pocket formation that compromises hygiene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrinking water hygieneVSAvoidchannel arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging channels at right angles as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by aligning the inflow and outflow channels in a straight line (0° angle), eliminating deflection and water pocket formation while simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the valve arrangement is designed for fixed installation orientation, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different installation scenarios (above or front actuation) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation orientation flexibilityVSAvoidvalve arrangement manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The valve arrangement is designed with universal adaptability by providing multiple connection possibilities (above and front actuation) through strategically positioned connection pieces, allowing the same component to serve multiple installation scenarios without requiring separate designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If rigid flushing lines are used, then structural stability is maintained, but height adjustment and installation flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidflushing line structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from rigid to dynamic structures by incorporating flexible flushing lines that can adapt to different heights and positions while maintaining functional integrity, allowing the system to change its configuration based on installation requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points are added for versatile installation, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of connection pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection functions into integrated connection pieces that serve dual purposes (both above and front actuation capabilities), reducing the total number of separate components while maintaining versatile installation options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances drinking water hygiene and space efficiency by simplifying assembly and height adjustment, ensuring optimal water flow and preventing stagnant water accumulation, while allowing for easy connection to multiple sanitary items.

Implementation Method 1

a subsequent second arcuate section (3a) and a horizontal third section (3c) running obliquely downwards or horizontally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2182124B1Flushing device with a valve arrangement
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP2182124B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2182124B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2182124B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The arrangement (1) has a flushing valve e.g. diaphragm valve, including a valve body with an inflow channel (19) and an outflow channel (20). The inflow channel is attached to a supply line (2), and the outflow channel is attached to a flushing line (3) i.e. flexible pipeline. The channels extend along a common straight line and are arranged in a horizontal plane. The valve is arranged in a fitting cabinet with a front side on which an inspection opening for the valve is arranged. The front side extends in a horizontal or vertical plane.