Pivotable Actuating Buttons for Sanitary Cistern Depth Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating devices for sanitary appliances, such as cisterns, face challenges in simplifying the depth adjustment process, making it complex and time-consuming to align the actuating plate flush with the surrounding cover, especially before tiling is completed.

Innovation Solution

The actuating device features a button that can be pivoted to access and adjust the depth-setting mechanism, allowing for easier alignment of the actuating plate with the visible side of the cover, using pivotable buttons and rotary adjustment elements, such as bolts or screws, which can be anchored to the cistern for precise adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuating plate is mounted on the cistern with fixed mounting means, then the installation is simple and quick, but the depth adjustment capability is limited and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting means are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed. The mounting plate can be positioned at different depths relative to the cistern front surface by moving the mounting means along the adjustment axis, allowing dynamic adaptation to different installation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting plate, adjustable mounting means (such as threaded rods or sliding mechanisms), and fixing elements. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve the desired depth positioning without redesigning the entire mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the actuating plate is adjusted to be flush with the cover before tiling, then the alignment is precise, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting means are designed to allow preliminary rough positioning followed by fine adjustment. The actuating plate can be temporarily positioned near the correct location using the adjustable mounting means, then precisely aligned with the cover surface using the depth adjustment capability, and finally secured in place. This preliminary action reduces the need for extensive rework after tiling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable mounting means act as an intermediary between the actuating plate and the cistern, providing a mechanism for easy depth adjustment. This intermediary component allows quick modification of the plate's position relative to the cover, enabling precise alignment without time-consuming adjustments to the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the buttons are fixed in position on the actuating plate, then the structure is simple, but the depth adjustment of the actuating plate is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to adjustment meansVSAvoidbutton mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buttons are mounted on the actuating plate in a way that allows them to move together with the plate during depth adjustment. The button mounting structure incorporates the adjustment mechanism, so when the mounting means are adjusted to change the plate's depth position, the buttons automatically follow and maintain their relative positions on the plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2388380B1Actuation device for actuating the rinsing of a sanitary apparatus and method for fitting such an actuating device
Publication Date: 2013.10.02 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP2388380B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2388380B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2388380B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device (1) has an actuating plate (5) for pivotably supporting buttons (6, 7) for releasing flushing liquid of a sanitary apparatus. A depth adjusting device (36) has an adjustment element (21) e.g. screw bolt and adjusting screw, supported in the plate, where the adjustment element is accessible from a rear side of the buttons for adjusting depth of the plate. The buttons are pivotable around a horizontal pivoting axis and formed as rocker switches. The adjustment element is supported at a latch of the plate such that the adjusting element is rotated around an axis. An independent claim is also included for a method for mounting an actuating device.