Pivoting Actuation Plate for Cistern Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for concealed cisterns have limited design freedom and accessibility, making it difficult to insert additives and perform maintenance tasks, as the actuation plate is directly connected to the cistern frame, restricting flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The actuation plate is designed to pivot, creating an opening for additive insertion and maintenance without an additional visible opening, allowing access to the cistern interior for tasks like overhauling or replacing parts, and is firmly connected even in the pivoted position, with a fastening frame and holding frame forming an exchangeable unit compatible with conventional plates for retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the actuation plate is directly connected to the cistern frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance and additive insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation plate assembly is segmented into a modular unit comprising the actuation plate, holding frame, and fastening frame. This modular unit can be detached as a whole from the cistern frame, providing both structural stability when assembled and ease of maintenance when disassembled. The segmentation allows the entire actuation mechanism to be removed and replaced without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation plate is designed with dynamic characteristics, being pivotably connected to the holding frame. This allows the actuation plate to be pivoted into different positions (operational position for flushing, maintenance position for access) while remaining connected to the cistern frame through the holding frame. The dynamic connection provides both stability during operation and accessibility during maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If an additional separate opening is created for additive insertion, then the accessibility is improved, but the device complexity and visible openings increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation plate serves multiple functions: it acts as the flushing actuator during normal operation and simultaneously serves as the access cover for additive insertion and maintenance. By making the actuation plate pivotable and removable, a single component fulfills both operational and maintenance access functions, eliminating the need for separate openings and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation plate can be pivoted between an operational position (covering the opening) and a maintenance position (providing access). This dynamic positioning allows the same component to provide both protection during operation and access during maintenance, eliminating the need for additional permanent openings while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of repair
If the actuation plate is made removable for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability of connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into the fastening frame with engagement elements and the holding frame with corresponding receptacles. This segmented design allows for simple attachment and detachment while maintaining strong connection during operation. The modular nature enables easy repair by removing the entire actuation plate assembly and replacing individual components if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides elastic restoring force through its curved geometry, ensuring reliable connection between the actuation plate and holding frame. The elastic deformation of the spring element creates a self-latching effect that maintains secure connection during operation while allowing controlled removal when needed for maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The cistern has a reservoir (2) for storing flush water, in which an outlet valve is arranged. An actuating device has an actuating plate (30) in front of an inspection opening (6), which is arranged on a mounting frame (10) and with which a flush can be triggered. Means (16, 17) are provided for filling an additive (43) into the aforementioned reservoir (2). A bearing device (11) is arranged in front of the inspection opening (6), with which the actuating plate (30) can be moved from the operating position to a filling position, in which the inspection opening (6) is accessible for filling the additive (43). Preferably, the bearing device (11) has a pivot bearing (13) so that the actuating plate (30) can be pivoted away from the inspection opening (6) into the filling position at an edge (33).