Gravity-Actuated Toilet Flushing Obstructing Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet flushing cistern devices are structurally and mechanically complex, prone to malfunction, and difficult to maintain due to floating mechanisms that are susceptible to scale and limited access, especially in small wall-recessed cisterns.
Innovation Solution
A simplified device with a manually operated obstructing body that uses manual movement means and adjustment mechanisms, such as shock absorbers, to control the flushing process, eliminating the need for motorized components and reducing complexity, allowing for easier maintenance and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floating mechanisms are used to keep the obstructing body raised during flushing, then the flushing function is achieved, but the device becomes structurally and mechanically complex and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the floating mechanism entirely from the system. Instead of using a floating body to lift the obstructing element, the invention employs a simple manual operation system where the user directly operates the obstructing element through a handle or lever mechanism located outside the cistern, eliminating the complex floating mechanisms that cause malfunctions and scaling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The obstructing element is designed to be manually operated by the user through external controls, making the system self-sufficient without requiring automatic floating mechanisms. The user directly controls the flushing operation by manipulating the handle, which mechanically transfers force to lift the obstructing element and allow water flow
2Ease of operation
If floating mechanisms are used to control the obstructing body, then automatic flushing control is achieved, but the device becomes very prone to scale accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mechanism that is susceptible to scale accumulation is completely removed from the system. The patent replaces it with a manual operation system where the user controls the flushing through external handles or levers that do not contact the water inside the cistern, thereby eliminating the source of scale accumulation problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that transfers the user's manual input force from outside the cistern to the obstructing element inside the cistern. This intermediary mechanism allows control without direct contact between control components and the water, preventing scale accumulation on operational parts
3Volume of moving object
If the cistern is made small for wall-recessed installation, then space is saved, but access to the flushing device becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the control mechanism from the storage cistern by placing the handles and operating levers on the external surface of the cistern. This segmentation allows the cistern to be compact and recessed into the wall while maintaining full accessibility to the control elements for operation and maintenance without requiring access to the interior of the cistern
4Device complexity
If manual movement means are used instead of motorized components, then device complexity is reduced, but automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be manually operated by the user through simple mechanical handles or levers. The user directly controls the lifting of the obstructing element and the flushing operation without requiring motorized components, sensors, or automatic control systems. This manual operation significantly reduces mechanical complexity while accepting that the system requires user activation rather than automatic operation
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 reduces structural and mechanical complexity, simplifies maintenance, and enhances accessibility, making the device more reliable and easier to use while maintaining effective flushing performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated body provided at one end with an obstructing element adapted to obstruct and release the opening of the cistern
Implementation Method 2
adjustment means for adjusting the dropping speed of the obstructing body when it drops to obstruct the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The Device (1) for toilet flushing cisterns comprises: - at least one obstructing body (2) adapted to obstruct and clear at least one flushing opening (3) of a toilet flushing cistern (4) to prevent and allow respectively the flushing, by gravity, of the water contained within the cistern (4) through the opening (3); - movement means (7), mechanically connected to the obstructing body (2) and adapted to lift it to clear the opening (3), the obstructing body (2) dropping by gravity, as a result of the lifting thereof, as far as the opening (3) is obstructed; - adjustment means (11, 12) for adjusting the dropping speed of the obstructing body (2), comprising: - at least a first adjustment body (11) connected to the cistern (4); - at least a second adjustment body (12), connected to the obstructing body (2) and coupled, in use, to the first adjustment body (11), operating in conjunction with the same to slow the dropping speed of the obstructing body (2).