Integrated Odor Extraction Housing for Sanitary Cisterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing odor extraction devices for sanitary devices like toilet bowls and urinals are difficult to assemble, prone to incorrect installation, and have components that can be damaged by rinsing water, leading to reduced service life and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A flushing device with a suction unit, flushing cistern, filling valve, and extraction unit where the fan, filter, and trigger element are housed together, allowing for easier assembly and protection from water, with a housing design that minimizes contact with rinsing water and facilitates maintenance by separating functional elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If individual components are arranged separately in the cistern, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the assembly becomes very complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidcomponent arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fan, filter element, and release element into a single integrated housing unit. This merging of previously separate components into one assembly dramatically simplifies installation - the entire odor extraction system can be installed as a single unit into the cistern, eliminating the complex step-by-step assembly of multiple independent components while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If components are installed in the cistern, then odor extraction can be performed, but components may contact rinsing water and their service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidwater contact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensitive electrical components (fan and filter element) from the water environment by housing them in a sealed housing that is mounted on the cistern wall above the water line. The housing contains an air duct that extends down into the cistern to extract odors, but the components themselves remain in a dry, protected environment, eliminating water contact damage while maintaining odor extraction functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If components are installed in the limited cistern space, then odor extraction is achieved, but installation becomes very complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fan, filter element, and release element into a single integrated housing unit with pre-established functional connections. This consolidation transforms a complex multi-component installation into a simple single-unit mounting operation, making the system as easy to install as a standard cistern component while providing comprehensive odor extraction functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the fan for air extraction, contains the filter element for odor filtration, and incorporates the release element for flushing activation. This multi-functionality in a single unit eliminates the need for separate installations of each component, greatly simplifying the installation process while achieving complete odor extraction and flushing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies assembly, enhances reliability, and extends the service life of the device by protecting components from water and allowing for easier maintenance, reducing the risk of damage and improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a fan (9) for extracting air through an air duct (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a filter element (11) for filtering the air extracted from the sanitary fixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2746474B1Flushing device with odour extractor
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP2746474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2746474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2746474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a flushing unit (5) including a flushing valve (6) with an overflow pipe (7), and a triggering element (8) for actuating the flushing valve. A suction unit (2) includes a ventilator (9) for suction of air through an air duct (10), which is partially extended through a flushing tank (3). The suction unit includes a filter element (11) for filtering air. The filter element represents an end of the air duct. The triggering element, the ventilator, and the filter element are mounted at and/or arranged in a common housing (12). The suction unit sucks odor from a sanitary device.