Power-off Flushing Valve with Pressure-Sensitive Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart toilets face challenges in flushing functionality during a power-off state due to reliance on water pumps and float bowls, leading to incomplete flushing, space inefficiency, and user experience issues.
Innovation Solution
A flushing water supply control valve with a housing, water control component, blocking component, and switch component, which utilizes a pressure chamber, auxiliary chamber, and drainage channels to achieve sequential flushing of the rim and main water channels without external power, using elastic members and switching structures for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water pump and water inlet float bowl are used to achieve sequential flushing, then the flushing function can be realized, but the device becomes bulky and occupies large space in the water tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water inlet float bowl from the system and replaces it with a pressure-sensitive switching structure integrated into the valve body. This extraction of the external float bowl eliminates the need for large space occupation while maintaining the sequential flushing function through internal pressure-sensitive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the switching structure directly into the valve body, merging previously separate components (float bowl, switching mechanism, and valve) into a compact integrated unit. This consolidation reduces the overall space required in the water tank while preserving all necessary functions.
2Ease of operation
If a water inlet float bowl is used for waterway switching, then sequential flushing can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and reliability decreases due to potential sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float bowl lifting system with a pressure-sensitive switching mechanism that responds to water pressure changes. This substitution eliminates the mechanical sticking issues associated with float bowls while maintaining reliable waterway switching through pressure-driven operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive switching structure automatically responds to water pressure changes without requiring external mechanical actuation. The system self-regulates the switching between waterways based on internal pressure conditions, eliminating the need for manual float bowl operation and improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a large volume water inlet float bowl is used, then water inflow control is achieved, but water storage capacity in the tank becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the large volume water inlet float bowl from the system, thereby freeing up space in the water tank for increased water storage capacity. Water inflow control is maintained through the integrated pressure-sensitive switching mechanism that regulates flow without requiring a large external float bowl.
4Device complexity
If the switching structure restricts water refill to only when the float bowl is at lowest position, then switching control is simplified, but flushing completeness deteriorates due to insufficient water amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure-sensitive switching mechanism that can respond to water pressure changes at any water level, not just at a fixed lowest position. This dynamic response allows water refill and switching to occur continuously based on pressure conditions, ensuring complete flushing while maintaining simple control logic.
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 enables sequential flushing of both water channels with a single press, maintains consistent flushing time and water amount, operates without a float bowl, and functions reliably in a power-off state, enhancing user experience and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member, two ends of the first elastic member respectively acting on the adjusting seat and the movable valve sleeve, the first elastic member pushing the movable valve sleeve to move upward
Implementation Method 2
the movable valve sleeve moves in the pressure chamber under the action of water pressure and the first elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A flushing water supply control valve used in a power-off state and a toilet flushing assembly comprise a housing, a water control component, a blocking component and a switch component, the housing is provided with a water inlet part, a water outlet part, a pressure chamber, an auxiliary chamber and several drainage channels; the water control component comprises an adjusting seat, a movable valve sleeve, a first elastic member and an elastic switching structure, and the adjusting seat is installed in the pressure chamber; the movable valve sleeve moves in the pressure chamber under the action of water pressure and the first elastic member, and an acting surface cooperating with the elastic switching structure is formed thereon.