Seamless Glass WC Flush Actuator with Rear Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilet flush triggering devices are expensive to produce, difficult to clean, and lack hygiene due to metal coatings and screw holes that harbor bacteria and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A device with a seamless glass or non-conductive actuating plate covering the wall opening, featuring a sensor button on the back and a detachable fastening element for easy assembly and cleaning, eliminating the need for additional processing steps and reducing bacterial accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal coatings and through-holes are used in the glass plate for fastening and sensor functionality, then the device can be assembled and function properly, but the production cost increases and hygiene deteriorates due to bacterial accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor button is extracted from the front surface and relocated to the back surface of the actuating plate. This extraction eliminates the need for through-holes penetrating the front surface, removing the hygiene problem of bacterial accumulation in holes and metal coatings while preserving the sensor's electrical functionality through the non-conductive glass material
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the sensor button on the front surface as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing it on the back surface. This inversion allows the glass plate to remain seamless and smooth on the front, eliminating crevices where bacteria could accumulate, while the sensor remains accessible from the rear for electrical connection
2Ease of operation
If metal coatings are applied to the glass plate for sensor functionality, then the device can detect touch input, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal coating requirement is extracted and eliminated by utilizing the inherent electrical properties of the glass-ceramic material itself. The glass plate serves as both the structural component and the capacitive sensor element, removing the need for separate metal coating application processes and reducing manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical properties of the glass plate are utilized by configuring the sensor circuitry to detect changes in capacitance or electrical characteristics of the glass material itself when touched. This parameter change approach allows the glass to function as the sensor without requiring conductive coatings, simplifying manufacturing
3Strength
If through-holes are provided in the glass plate for screw fastening, then the actuating plate can be securely mounted, but the surface becomes difficult to clean and hygiene deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening holes are extracted from the front surface and relocated to the back surface of the actuating plate. This allows the front surface to remain completely seamless and smooth, enabling easy cleaning and preventing dirt accumulation, while secure mounting is achieved through fastening elements accessible from the rear
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating plate is segmented into functional zones: the front surface remains smooth and sealed for hygiene, while the back surface contains all fastening elements, sensor buttons, and mounting features. This segmentation allows each surface to optimize its function without compromising the other
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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-assemble, and hygienic toilet flush activation system with a seamless surface that simplifies operation and maintenance, ensuring improved hygiene by eliminating gaps and metal coatings.
Implementation Method 1
DE 31 40 307 A1 discloses a control device for electrically triggering a cistern valve which is provided with an electromagnetic actuating device and has a capacitive sensor button
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric flush control for a WC cistern has a flat glass cover plate (2) fitted with a mounting bracket on the rear side for a clip fastening onto a control box, e.g. a recess mounted control box to enable a flush mounting for the control plate. The control plate is made of safety glass and has one or more symbols for a touch control. The rear of the plate is also fitted with touch systems. The touch controls can include half flush and full flush as well as flush stop.