Foot Actuated Toilet Flushing Device via Cable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toilet flushing devices require manual operation, which can be inconvenient and unsanitary, especially in situations where hands-free operation is desired.

Innovation Solution

A foot-actuated toilet flushing device comprising a bracket mounted to the toilet tank, a pedal assembly mounted to the floor, and a cable assembly that transfers downward force from the pedal to the toilet handle to initiate flushing, allowing for hands-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual handle operation is used for toilet flushing, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to hygiene concerns and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cable assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the foot pedal and the flush handle. The cable transfers the mechanical force from the foot actuation point to the handle, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through this intermediate force transmission element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a foot actuated mechanism is added to enable hands-free operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the flushing device into distinct functional segments: a foot pedal assembly mounted on the floor, a cable assembly for force transmission, and the existing handle mechanism on the tank. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the system easier to install, maintain, and replace without affecting the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a cable assembly is used to transfer force from pedal to handle, then the ease of operation improves through foot activation, but the reliability may deteriorate due to potential cable failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly serves as a mediator that can be easily replaced if it shows signs of wear or failure. The segmentation of the system allows the cable to be independently maintained without affecting the pedal or handle components, thus managing reliability through modular replacement rather than preventing all potential failures

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

Enables convenient and hygienic toilet flushing without the need to touch the handle, improving user experience and hygiene by allowing foot-activated operation.

Implementation Method 1

positioning the cable assembly to transfer a downward force applied to the pedal assembly to the handle of the toilet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11118336B1Foot actuated toilet flushing device
Publication Date: 2021.09.14 ALONZO CARLOS
  • US11118336B1 patent drawing
  • US11118336B1 patent drawing
  • US11118336B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A foot actuated toilet flushing device for hands free toilet flushing includes a bracket, a pedal assembly, and a cable assembly. The bracket is mountable to a tank of a toilet proximate to a handle of the toilet. A connector is engaged to the bracket and is connectable to the handle of the toilet. The pedal assembly is mountable to a floor proximate to the toilet. The cable assembly is coupled to and extends between the connector and the pedal assembly. The pedal assembly can be pressed by a foot of a user, positioning the cable assembly to transfer a downward force applied to the pedal assembly to the handle of the toilet to flush the toilet.