Toilet Delay Timer Mechanism for Noise Reduction and Water Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toilets and urinals lack the ability to delay flushing, automate frequent flushing, and provide remote monitoring and control, which is necessary for noise reduction, water conservation, and maintenance in public and private facilities.
Innovation Solution
A delay timer mechanism for toilets that includes a timer, external switch, and retracting device, allowing for delayed flushing, automatic frequency settings, and remote operation via wireless communication, with options for battery or wired power and integration into the toilet handle or tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If immediate flushing is used, then the toilet can be flushed quickly and simply, but noise cannot be reduced and water cannot be conserved through delayed flushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a timer mechanism that allows users to set a delay period before flushing occurs. The user activates the flush button, which then starts a countdown timer, and only after the predetermined time elapses does the flushing mechanism activate. This preliminary timing action enables noise reduction by delaying the flush until a convenient moment while maintaining system simplicity through the use of a basic timer circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flushing system adaptable to different timing requirements. The timer mechanism allows users to adjust the delay period according to their needs, transforming a static immediate-flush system into a dynamic one where the flush timing can be optimized for noise reduction, water conservation, or convenience without increasing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If manual flushing is used, then the system is simple to operate, but automatic flushing on a set frequency cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic timer-driven flushing system that operates independently without requiring manual intervention. The timer mechanism automatically counts down from a predetermined period and triggers the flushing mechanism autonomously, enabling toilets in unattended locations such as vacation homes or public facilities to flush automatically at set intervals, preventing freezing and maintaining cleanliness without human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by designing the timer mechanism to repeat the flushing cycle at predetermined intervals. The system can be configured to flush automatically every so often (daily, weekly, monthly), creating a periodic flushing pattern that maintains the toilet in unattended locations. This periodic operation achieves automation while keeping the system relatively simple through the use of standard timer components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If local flushing control is used, then the system is easy to operate, but remote monitoring and control cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a timer mechanism as a mediating component between the user's local action and the flushing operation. The timer acts as an intermediary that can be controlled locally but also enables remote monitoring capabilities. By incorporating the timer into the control system, users can remotely check the status of the flushing cycle and adjust timing parameters without being physically present at the toilet, achieving remote adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A delay timer for the delayed flushing of a toilet includes a timer mechanism, an external switch, and a retracting device. The external switch is in communication with the timer mechanism. The retracting device has a retractable line and is in communication with the timer mechanism. The retractable line is configured to be connected to a chain or a flapper in a tank of the toilet for flushing the toilet. Wherein, when the external switch is activated, the timer mechanism is configured to delay a set period of time and then communicate with the retracting device to retract the retractable line to flush the toilet after the set period of time from when the external switch was activated.