Solenoid Rigid Piston Flush Valve for Debris-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diaphragm flush valves suffer from clogging, inefficient flushing cycles, and poor sealing at low water pressures, leading to water wastage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A rigid piston assembly with a solenoid is introduced, featuring a central opening, by-pass orifice, guide members, and a flow ring, along with a piston seal and retaining ring, which provides improved alignment, sealing, and electronic control, allowing for efficient water flow and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diaphragm is used in a flush valve, then the valve can control water flow, but the by-pass orifice can become clogged with debris preventing water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic by-pass orifice from the diaphragm structure and replaces it with a separate, larger-diameter by-pass passage in the rigid piston assembly. This allows the main sealing function to be maintained while eliminating the clogging issue associated with small orifices in the diaphragm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical parameter of the by-pass opening from a small orifice in a flexible diaphragm to a larger passage in a rigid piston structure. This parameter change increases the resistance to clogging while maintaining the valve's water flow control capability.
2Device complexity
If a diaphragm flush valve design is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the flushing cycle takes approximately seven seconds resulting in water wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow paths by introducing separate by-pass passages that allow water to reach the upper chamber more quickly. This segmentation of flow paths enables faster chamber filling and reduces the overall flushing cycle time while maintaining a relatively simple valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing dedicated by-pass passages that pre-establish water flow routes to the upper chamber before the main flushing action begins. This ensures rapid pressure equalization and reduces the time required for the flushing cycle to complete.
3Stress or pressure
If a diaphragm is used for sealing, then the valve can operate, but sealing is difficult at water pressures below 35 psi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible diaphragm sealing mechanism with a rigid piston sealing system. The rigid piston with its precisely fitted seal provides more reliable sealing at low pressures by eliminating the reliance on water pressure to deform a flexible diaphragm for sealing engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sealing approaches combining rigid piston components with sealing elements that maintain effective sealing across a wide pressure range, including pressures below 35 psi where conventional diaphragm sealing fails.
4Productivity
If electronic control is added to the flush valve, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid piston assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary sealing element and as an integrated actuator response mechanism. This universal design allows electronic control to be added without requiring completely separate actuation systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 rigid piston assembly enhances flushing efficiency, reduces water usage, and provides reliable sealing across a range of water pressures, enabling faster and more consistent flushing cycles while allowing for electronic operation.
Implementation Method 1
A rigid piston valve with a solenoid is introduced
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston and a solenoid configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. A flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a piston valve into a diaphragm flush valve body which includes a rigid piston and solenoid configuration.