Gear-Driven Trip Lever Clutch for Toilet Flush Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flush levers in toilets do not allow users to control the open and close time of the flapper valve or canister, relying on gravity and the flotation of the flapper valve for flushing, which limits user control over the flushing process.
Innovation Solution
A gear-driven trip lever assembly with a clutch cam and clutch release mount is introduced, allowing the flush lever to be operated independently of user control by using a torsion spring and gear mechanism to manage the flapper valve's operation, ensuring consistent flushing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional flush lever relying on gravity and flotation is used, then the structure is simple, but user control over the flushing process is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clutch mechanism as an intermediary between the user-operated handle and the flapper valve. The clutch cam and clutch release mount assembly act as mediators that translate user input into controlled flapper valve operation, enabling precise timing control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic clutch mechanism that can engage and disengage based on the position of the flush lever. The clutch cam rotates and interacts with the clutch release mount to dynamically control the connection between the handle and flapper valve, allowing the system to transition between different operational states (controlled flush vs. passive return).
2Reliability
If gravity and flotation are used to operate the flapper valve, then the device complexity is low, but the open and close time cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism performs preliminary action by engaging the flapper valve lift mechanism before the actual flush is needed. The clutch cam is positioned and the clutch release mount is prepared in advance, so that when the user operates the handle, the timing and sequence of events are already predetermined, ensuring consistent flushing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely gravity-based mechanical system with a controlled mechanical system incorporating a clutch mechanism. Instead of relying solely on gravity and flotation, the system uses a gear-driven clutch mechanism to actively control the timing and duration of the flush, providing more reliable and consistent performance.
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 gear-driven trip lever assembly enables precise control over the flush lever's operation, ensuring consistent water flow and efficient flushing without user intervention, improving the reliability and efficiency of the flushing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The gear driven trip lever subassembly comprises a clutch release mount, a home position rack that is secured to the mounting plate and a spring-loaded clutch cam that is secured to the clutch release mount via a retaining pivot pin
Implementation Method 2
A gear-driven trip lever assembly with a clutch cam and clutch release mount is introduced, allowing the flush lever to be operated independently of user control by using a torsion spring and gear mechanism to manage the flapper valve's operation
Data Source
AI summary
A gear driven trip lever for a toilet comprises a handle, a handle stop and a torsion spring disposed outside the tank. Inside the tank is a gear driven trip lever subassembly comprising a home position rack that is secured to a mounting plate and a spring-loaded clutch cam. The end of the flush lever nearest the gear driven trip lever subassembly is configured as a geared structure that meshes with gears disposed on a home position rack. When a user pushes the flush handle, the home position rack lifts the geared flush lever. The clutch cam contacts and slides on the home position rack as it moves downwardly. When the flush handle is fully depressed downwardly, the clutch cam releases the home position rack which returns to its home position via a compression spring and the geared flush lever is returned to its home position.