Hydraulic Toilet Flush Apparatus with Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cistern flushing apparatuses face challenges in adaptability and simplicity due to variations in water supply systems and plumbing designs, requiring complex adjustments and relying on electrical power for operation.
Innovation Solution
A cistern flushing apparatus with a hydraulically-driven control circuit that utilizes a pressurized accumulator to store water, supplemented by mains water pressure, and includes an air reintroduction system to maintain air pressure, allowing for adaptable operation without the need for electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mains water pressure alone is used to operate the flushing device, then the system is simple and requires no electrical power, but the system lacks adaptability to variations in water supply pressure and flow
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator pre-stores pressurized water during periods when supply pressure is adequate, so that this stored pressurized water can be used to operate the flushing device when supply pressure drops or flow is restricted. This preliminary action ensures consistent flushing performance regardless of supply variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator acts as an intermediary between the mains water supply and the flushing device. It buffers the variations in supply pressure and flow, delivering consistent pressurized water to the flushing device regardless of supply conditions, thus decoupling the flushing operation from supply variations.
2Reliability
If the accumulator is used to supplement water flow and pressure, then consistent flushing performance is achieved, but air depletion occurs over time requiring air reintroduction
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi means automatically reintroduces air into the accumulator during normal water flow operations. The water flow through the venturi creates a pressure drop that draws air in through the air inlet, eliminating the need for manual air replenishment and maintaining the accumulator's pressurization capability automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water flow itself as a feedback mechanism to trigger air reintroduction. When water flows through the venturi, it automatically creates the conditions for air to be drawn in, providing a self-regulating mechanism that responds to actual operating conditions.
3Extent of automation
If complex electromechanical actuation systems are used for automatic flushing, then automated operation is achieved, but the system requires electrical power and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical actuation with a purely hydraulic actuation system. The accumulator provides pressurized water that directly actuates the flushing device mechanically, eliminating the need for electrical motors, solenoids, or other electromechanical components while maintaining automatic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure from the accumulator to drive the flushing mechanism. Pressurized water from the accumulator acts on the flushing device to initiate and complete the flush cycle, replacing electrical actuation with hydraulic actuation that requires no external power supply.
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 enhances adaptability and simplicity by stabilizing water flow and pressure, reducing operational effort, and ensuring consistent flushing performance across varying installation conditions without relying on electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
pressurised fluid introduced into the accumulator from the source compresses air within the container to provide a pressurised store of water
Implementation Method 2
The venturi means may comprise a venturi and/or may be downstream of the inlet or fluid inlet of the apparatus, control circuit and/or upstream of the inlet or fluid inlet of the accumulator. The venturi means may be in fluid communication with the air inlet, e.g. for entraining air from the air inlet into the accumulator.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flushing apparatus (1, 301) for being installed in the cistern of a toilet including a flushing device (2) for fluid connection with an outlet of a cistern and a hydraulically-driven control circuit (3, 303) for operating the flushing device. The control circuit (3, 303) includes a water inlet (P) for fluidly connecting the control circuit (3, 303) to a source of pressurised water and an accumulator (6) fluidly connected to the water inlet (P) and configured to supplement, in use, the flow of pressurised water supplied by the source trough the control circuit (3, 303) to activate the flushing device (2).