Sanitary Outlet Fitting with Removable One-Way Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sanitary unit outlets, such as urinals, require users to partially dismantle the outlet and insert their finger to remove and replace a worn or blocked one-way valve, which is unpleasant and time-consuming, especially in low or zero water usage scenarios where water conservation is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A fitting for sanitary unit outlets that allows the one-way valve to be removed as a single entity with the grid and housing, using a bayonet-style connection and a sleeve to secure the valve, enabling easy replacement without finger insertion, and incorporating a tubular extension to reduce noise during fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a one-way valve is used in a sanitary unit outlet, then odour prevention is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases as the valve requires finger insertion for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is segmented into three main components: a housing, a grid, and a one-way valve. The grid is divided into multiple bars forming openings, while the housing contains the valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the valve to be accessed and removed through the grid openings without direct finger insertion into the outlet, solving the maintenance difficulty while preserving odour prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid acts as an intermediary structure between the user and the one-way valve. Instead of requiring direct finger insertion into the outlet to remove the valve, the grid provides a framework through which tools can access and manipulate the valve. The grid bars form openings that allow tool insertion while preventing direct finger access, thus mediating the interaction between user and valve.
2Device complexity
If conventional outlet designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maintenance time increases due to partial dismantlement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is divided into separable components (housing, grid, valve) that can be removed as a complete unit or individually. The grid is detachably connected to the housing, allowing the entire assembly to be lifted out together for quick maintenance. This segmentation enables rapid replacement of the valve without requiring complex partial dismantlement, reducing maintenance time while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid and housing are combined into a single detachable assembly that can be removed together as one unit. The grid bars are connected to form a rigid structure that integrates with the housing, allowing both components to be lifted out simultaneously using a tool engaged with the grid. This merging reduces the number of separate removal steps required during maintenance.
3Loss of substance
If low or zero water usage systems are implemented, then water conservation is improved, but cleaning accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is segmented into removable components, with the grid being detachably connected to the housing. This segmentation allows the grid to be completely removed from the housing, providing full access to the internal chamber for thorough cleaning. The modular design enables cleaning personnel to access all surfaces without water flow assistance, which is particularly important in low or zero water usage systems where water cannot be used to flush out contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid is extracted as a separate, removable component from the housing assembly. By taking the grid out completely, the internal chamber becomes fully accessible for manual cleaning. This extraction allows cleaning tools to reach all surfaces of the housing interior, ensuring thorough sanitation in systems where water flushing is minimized or eliminated.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting (10) for a sanitary unit outlet (5) has a tubular housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16), a grid (18) associated with the housing inlet (14) and a one-way valve (20) associated with the housing outlet (16). The housing (12), grid (18) and one-way valve (20) are removable from the sanitary unit outlet (5) as a single entity.