Rotatable Lever Valve Fitting for Sanitary Cisterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve fittings for sanitary cisterns lack a secure and easy-to-operate securing element for the plug-in connection, which can lead to accidental disconnection and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A valve fitting with a rotatable lever securing element that secures and releases the plug-in connection through rotation, providing enhanced security and simplicity of operation, and is designed to not completely encompass the water line, with a rotation axis at an angle to the water flow direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shiftable securing element (sleeve nut) is used to secure the plug-in connection, then the connection can be secured, but the operation becomes complex and the securing element completely embraces the water line making it bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of plug-in connectionVSAvoidsimplicity of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element is designed as a rotatable lever that transitions between a securing position (locking the plug-in connection) and a releasing position (allowing disconnection). This dynamic mechanism replaces the static shiftable sleeve nut, making the securing and releasing actions more intuitive and easier to operate through simple rotational movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element is divided into a lever part that rotates and a rotating part that engages with the plug-in connection. This segmentation allows the lever to provide leverage for easy operation while the rotating part performs the actual securing function, separating the operational interface from the functional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a shiftable securing element is used, then the connection can be secured, but the rotation axis or shifting mechanism is sensitive to dirt and harder to protect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of plug-in connectionVSAvoidsensitivity to dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism operates in a rotational dimension rather than a linear shifting dimension. The lever rotates around an axis that is positioned and oriented to be less exposed to dirt accumulation, particularly with the rotation axis at an angle to the water flow direction. This dimensional change in the securing mechanism's operation reduces its sensitivity to contamination compared to linear shiftable elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a rotating lever securing element is used, then operation is simpler and security is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex compared to shiftable elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever and the rotating part are merged into an integrated securing element where the lever's rotation directly drives the securing and releasing actions. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms and reduces overall structural complexity despite the rotational motion, as the lever itself serves as both the actuator and the securing component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4215681B1A valve fitting for filling a sanitary cistern and a cistern comprising such a valve fitting
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP4215681B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4215681B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4215681B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a valve fitting for a sanitary cistern comprising a water supply connection element and a filling valve, wherein a plug-in connection can be secured by means of a securing element having a lever rotatable for securing and releasing.