Pressure-Assist Toilet Actuator With Pilot Valve Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure-assist toilets generate a loud flush sequence due to high water velocity, and existing sound reduction methods, such as additional sound deadening materials or vitreous composition modifications, are expensive and ineffective in significantly reducing noise to levels comparable to gravity-fed toilets.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system for pressure-assist toilets that relieves pressure in the pressurized flush vessel before full actuation of the flush valve, using a motor and cam mechanism to control the pilot valve, allowing for a controlled flow rate and reducing pressure differential, thereby minimizing noise during the flush sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure-assist toilet uses high water velocity for strong flushing, then flushing performance is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve opens before the main flush valve, creating a preliminary action that equalizes pressure between chambers. This preliminary pressure equalization reduces the pressure differential that would otherwise cause loud water flow when the main valve opens, thereby reducing noise while maintaining flushing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The flush sequence is segmented into multiple stages: first the pilot valve opens to equalize pressure, then the main flush valve opens. This segmentation of the flushing action into sequential steps allows for controlled pressure management and noise reduction while preserving the strong flush performance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If sound deadening material is added to reduce noise, then noise level is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding sound deadening materials with a fluid dynamics approach using valve sequencing. By controlling the pressure equalization through the pilot valve mechanism, the system achieves noise reduction through fluid flow management rather than physical sound absorption materials, thereby avoiding increased device complexity
3Speed
If pressure is fully released at once through flush valve actuation, then flushing speed is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve performs a preliminary pressure equalization action before the main flush valve opens. This preliminary action reduces the pressure differential, allowing the main valve to open with less sudden pressure release, thereby reducing noise while maintaining adequate flushing speed through the coordinated valve sequence
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 actuator system significantly reduces the noise of the flush sequence by managing pressure release and flow rates, resulting in a quieter operation without the need for costly modifications, and can be retrofitted into existing pressure-assist toilets.
Implementation Method 1
a cam coupled to the motor and configured to rotate about a cam axis. The cam defines an outer periphery including a first arc configured to move the pilot valve to a first height, a second arc configured to move the pilot valve to a second height below the first height, and a third arc configured to move the pilot valve to a third height below the first height and different than the second height
Data Source
AI summary
A tank assembly for a pressure-assist toilet includes a flush assembly having an outer chamber and an inner chamber disposed in the outer chamber. The flush assembly further includes a flush valve disposed in the inner chamber, and a pilot valve disposed in the inner chamber and extending through the flush valve. The tank assembly further includes an actuator engaging the pilot valve and configured to hold the pilot valve at each of a first height, a second height offset a first distance from the first height, and a third height offset a second distance from the first height greater than a first distance.