Handle Lock Assembly for Flush Valve Water Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-based urinals require complete replacement to convert to no-water urinals, which is expensive and time-consuming, and there is a need for a solution to conserve water without replacing existing fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A handle lock assembly for flush valve systems that can be installed on existing urinals and toilets without removing them or turning off the water supply, allowing for selective operation between a manually-operable flushable and locked non-flushable state, reducing accidental flushing and conserving water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If complete replacement of water-based urinals with no-water urinals is performed, then water conservation is achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is nested within the existing urinal handle structure, allowing the water conservation function to be embedded in the existing fixture rather than replacing the entire fixture. The lock mechanism fits inside the handle assembly, creating a nested configuration that preserves the outer urinal structure while adding the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the water conservation function from the complete urinal replacement by creating a separate, standalone lock assembly that can be independently installed on the existing handle. This segmentation allows the locking function to be added without replacing the entire urinal system.
2Loss of substance
If a lock assembly is added to existing urinals, then water conservation through reduced flushing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is designed to work with universal handle configurations, using standard components like washers, nuts, and keys that can be applied to various urinal handle types. This multi-functionality approach allows the same lock design to serve different handle styles without requiring complex customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly uses simple, inexpensive components such as standard washers, nuts, and basic locking mechanisms that are easy to manufacture and replace. These simple components minimize the added complexity while providing effective water conservation functionality.
3Loss of substance
If accidental flushing is prevented through locking mechanism, then water savings increase, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly includes a key mechanism that allows authorized users to easily unlock and flush when needed, while automatically preventing unauthorized or accidental flushing. The system serves itself by using the key as both the locking and unlocking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a lock assembly to lock a flush valve system, the handle lock assembly configured for placement on a flushing valve handle of a urinal or toilet comprising a top component and a bottom component comprising first and second arm sections and a center support section situated there between, each arm section pivotally connected to the first end of the top component. The arm sections also comprise a locking element for releasably locking with a mating locking element on the top component. A major advantage of the methods, systems and apparatuses disclosed herein is the savings in water that can be achieved without having to replace the current water-based urinal with a no-water urinal or expensive urinal with automatic flushing devices that control flushing.