Press-Type Overflow Drainage Control With Position-Indicating Button

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage devices for water containers, such as bathtubs, are cumbersome, hygienic, inconvenient, and difficult to operate, with unclear mode indication and prone to accidental operation.

Innovation Solution

A press-type overflow drainage device with a button located at the overflow outlet, utilizing a lifting control mechanism with a spring, gears, and a horizontal button assembly to control drainage/storage modes, featuring a button that indicates its position based on the device's state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a button is used to control the drainage valve, then the operation is simplified, but the button may be accidentally pressed and the drainage mode cannot be clearly indicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidaccidental operation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The button changes its protrusion state (visual position change) to indicate different operational modes. When the drainage valve is closed, the button protrudes; when open, the button is recessed. This visual feedback clearly indicates the current state and prevents accidental misoperation by showing the user the current drainage status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The button provides tactile and visual feedback about the drainage valve state. The protrusion/recessus state of the button serves as immediate feedback to the user about whether the valve is open or closed, allowing them to understand the current state without confusion and preventing accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the button protrudes from the water container surface, then it is easy to locate and operate, but it may be accidentally pressed during water storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton locateabilityVSAvoidaccidental pressing during storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The button dynamically changes its position based on the drainage valve state. It protrudes when the valve is closed (drainage mode) and recesses when the valve is open (storage mode). This dynamic positioning allows the button to be prominent and easy to operate during drainage while automatically becoming less prominent during storage, reducing accidental pressing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the button remaining always protruding for easy operation, the design inverts the approach by making the button recessed during storage mode to prevent accidental pressing, and only protruding when drainage is needed. This inversion of the typical button behavior solves the contradiction between accessibility and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a single-button design is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the drainage/storage mode cannot be clearly distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmode indication clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The button uses positional change (protrusion/recessus) to convey different operational modes. This single visual/tactile state change provides clear information about whether the drainage valve is open or closed, eliminating the need for additional indicators or complex multi-button designs while maintaining full mode differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 device is easy to operate, provides clear mode indication, and prevents accidental operation, enhancing user convenience and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting control mechanism is provided with a spring that pushes the up and down movement member from the bottom to top, and accumulates energy when the external force is pressing on the button, and releases the energy after the external force is released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3805472B1Press-type water discharge device for discharging overflow of water from water container

Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NINGBO BOSHENG PLUMBING CO

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a press-type overflow drainage device for water container, comprising a lifting control mechanism; the lifting control mechanism is provided an up and down movement member and a fixed component with a through hole for the movement of the up and down movement member; one end of the connecting steel wire is connected with the up and down movement member, and the other end is connected with the transmission mechanism; the lifting control mechanism provides two upper and lower stop positions; the drainage device also comprises a horizontal button assembly which is provided with a button, and connected with the up and down movement member through a joint member while the corresponding up and down movement member stops in the upper and lower stop positions, and the button has the press-in and stop and pop-up and stop positions at the front and rear of the horizontal position. The present invention can make use of the cooperation of the lifting control mechanism, the horizontal button and the overflow outlet, and the button is located at the overflow outlet and can control the drainage device of the water container, and the operation is convenient and can indicate the drainage/storage mode of the drainage device.