Toilet Controls with Magnet Float and Sensor for Water Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilets waste water due to inefficiencies in water usage and leakage, as users cannot adjust the amount of water per flush, and leaks at the flapper or inlet valves lead to excessive water consumption.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of advanced toilet controls that allow users to customize water usage per flush, include a magnet system to manage float operation, a water level sensor for leak detection, and timers for inlet and outlet valves to optimize water flow and minimize waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same amount of water is utilized for each flush, then the toilet operation is simple, but water is wasted when flushing liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic water flush system with two separate buttons: one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. This allows the water volume to be adjusted based on the actual flushing needs, preventing water waste while maintaining simple operation through intuitive button selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the water volume parameter based on the type of waste being flushed. By providing different flush volumes for liquids and solids, the system optimizes water usage while keeping the interface simple with clearly labeled buttons for each waste type.
2Device complexity
If the flapper valve leaks, then the toilet structure remains simple, but excessive water is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the float level sensor that continuously monitors the water level in the tank. When water is lost due to a flapper valve leak, the sensor detects the lowered water level and triggers the inlet valve to replenish the tank, providing automatic compensation for leaks while maintaining simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The toilet system performs self-service by automatically detecting water level changes and activating the inlet valve to replenish water in the tank. This self-regulating mechanism handles flapper valve leaks without requiring user intervention or complex additional components.
3Device complexity
If the inlet valve leaks when closed, then the valve design is simple, but water overflows through the standpipe
Solution Approach 1:
The float level sensor provides continuous feedback on the water level in the tank. When the inlet valve leaks and water level rises, the sensor detects this condition and signals the control system to close the inlet valve, preventing water overflow through the standpipe while maintaining simple valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical inlet valve operation with an electronically controlled system that uses sensors and a control unit to monitor and regulate water flow. This substitution allows for more precise control to prevent overflow while keeping the physical valve structure relatively simple.
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
These controls enable precise water management, reducing waste by allowing customizable flush volumes and automatically addressing leaks, thus conserving water.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet may be utilized to raise a float connected with a water flow control valve of a toilet to positively actuate the valve to a closed condition when the tank in the toilet is filled with water
Implementation Method 2
A float may be disposed in the tank. When the level of water in the tank falls to a level below the desired level, the float may drop to a lower position
Data Source
AI summary
Controls for use in association with a toilet conserve water by allowing the amount of water utilized for each flush to be varied. The controls conserve water by minimizing the amount of water lost in the event of either a minor leak or a major leak. The controls may include a magnet to raise a float connected with a water float control valve. The controls may include water level sensor apparatus. The controls may include a force transmission assembly which effects operation of water inlet and outlet valves under the influence of force transmitted from a handle of a toilet. A separate body of water may be maintained in a container in the tank. A pump may be connected in fluid communication with the container and operated under the influence of force transmitted from the handle.