Removable Powered Flush Valve Actuator for Manual-Auto Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush operating apparatuses lack ease of use and flexibility in operation, particularly in accommodating diverse toilet and flush water tank specifications, and fail to seamlessly transition between manual and automatic operation methods.
Innovation Solution
A flush operating apparatus with a manual operating unit and a separate powered operating unit, allowing for selection between manual and powered operation, featuring a control portion that activates the powered drive unit based on user input or sensing, and a design that enables easy installation and removal according to usage conditions, preventing mutual interference between the two operation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual operating lever and drive apparatus are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the ease of operation is poor and cannot accommodate automated operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a manual operating unit with operating lever and drive apparatus, and a powered operating unit with motor and drive shaft. These modules can be independently installed or removed, allowing the system to transition between manual and automated operation modes without requiring a completely different structure for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The flush valve and associated drive mechanisms are designed to accept both manual operation through the operating lever and powered operation through the motor-driven drive shaft. The common drive shaft and flush valve assembly serve dual purposes, enabling the same hardware to function in both manual and automated modes.
2Ease of operation
If the flush operating apparatus is designed for automated operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The powered operating unit is designed as a separate, removable module that can be added only when automated operation is needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity for basic manual operation while providing automated capability when required, avoiding the complexity of always-including automated features.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating apparatus incorporates dynamic configurability through removable and replaceable components. The powered operating unit can be installed or removed based on usage requirements, and different powered units can be swapped to accommodate various flush water tank and toilet specifications, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed to accommodate diverse toilet and flush water tank specifications, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered operating unit is designed as a standardized module that can be removed and replaced to accommodate different flush water tank and toilet specifications. This segmentation allows for easy customization without requiring complex redesigns, as each unit can be independently selected based on the specific application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The common drive shaft and flush valve assembly serve multiple functions across different toilet and flush water tank specifications. The standardized interface between the powered operating unit and the common components enables the same basic structure to support diverse applications, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If both manual and powered operating units are installed simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved through choice, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual and powered operating units are implemented as separate, non-interfering modules. The manual unit includes the operating lever and its drive apparatus, while the powered unit includes the motor and drive shaft. Their segmentation allows both to coexist without mutual interference, providing operational flexibility while minimizing added complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A flush operating apparatus includes: a flush valve for opening and closing a discharge port on a storage tank; a manual operating unit, provided on the flush water tank and capable of manually operating the motion of the flush valve; a powered operating unit capable of operating the motion of the flush valve with power; and a control device for receiving a toilet flush start signal transmitted from either an instruction device by which a user instructs a toilet flush operation, or from a body sensor for sensing a user and activating a power drive motor; wherein the powered operating unit is separately installed from the manual operating unit, and is installed so as to be removable from the flush water tank in accordance with flush water tank apparatus or toilet main unit usage conditions.