Toilet Tank Cleaner Release Using a Buoyancy-Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid cleaner blocks in flush toilets dissolve quickly, leading to high-concentration cleaner in the water tank and wasteful use during infrequent flushing, causing unnecessary waste.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a container and filling member connected to a floating body, utilizing water level changes to control the movement of the filling member and container, allowing controlled release of cleaner solution through a through hole, and using a blocking mechanism to prevent dissolution when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid cleaner block is directly put into the water tank, then the cleaning effect is achieved every time the toilet is used, but the cleaner dissolves completely and is used up in one flush, causing unnecessary waste when the toilet is not used for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaner block is segmented into a container with multiple small through holes, allowing controlled release of cleaner solution. The filling member divides the container into multiple spaces, creating segmented compartments that regulate the dissolution process and prevent complete dissolution in one flush.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling member is made movable and connected to a floating body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on water level changes. During flushing, the filling member moves to occupy more space and control the release rate, while during non-flushing periods, it allows controlled seepage through the through holes, preventing complete dissolution and waste.
2Quantity of substance
If the cleaner block dissolves in the water tank, then the water tank is filled with high-concentration cleaner, but this causes waste when flushing is infrequent
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables periodic release of cleaner through the through holes in the container wall. The filling member's movement creates periodic filling and releasing cycles, allowing the cleaner to be released in controlled intervals rather than all at once, maintaining optimal concentration while preventing waste during infrequent flushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary between the cleaner block and the water tank. It controls the interaction between cleaner and water, allowing gradual dissolution and release through the through holes, thereby regulating the concentration of cleaner in the water tank and preventing excessive accumulation that would lead to waste.
3Loss of substance
If a container with filling member is used to control cleaner release, then cleaner waste is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filling member is connected to a floating body that automatically responds to water level changes in the toilet tank. The system is self-regulating - during flushing, the water level change automatically moves the filling member to control release, and during non-flushing periods, it automatically allows controlled seepage. This eliminates the need for external control mechanisms, timers, or complex actuators, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective cleaner waste reduction.
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 apparatus ensures controlled release of cleaner solution, maintaining optimal concentration and preventing waste by adjusting to water level changes, thus optimizing cleaner usage and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyancy effect of the rising and drawdown of water in the water tank on the container causes a relative movement between the container and the filling member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for releasing a cleaner in a flush toilet is placed in a water tank of a flush toilet during use, and includes a container; the container is provided with an opening, and a cleaner is provided in the container. The apparatus includes a filling member; the filling member may extend into the container from the opening, and there is a gap between the filling member and the opening; the filling member or the container is connected to a floating body; relative movement between the container and the filling member occurs by means of a buoyancy effect, during the drawdown of the water, the filling member occupies more space in the container, and the water in the container flows out; and during the rising of the water, the water outside the container flows into the container, and the filling member occupies less space in the container.