Automatic Toilet Flush Control for Overflow and Pressure Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilets require manual flush activation, which can be unsanitary, and may not function properly during water pressure fluctuations or overflow conditions, posing hygiene and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
An automatic flush toilet system with electronic sensing and actuation mechanisms, including a flush actuator, overflow device, and controller, that operates independently of water pressure variations and detects overflow conditions for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual flush lever is used, then ease of operation is improved, but hygiene is worsened due to germ contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical flush lever with an automatic flush actuator system that uses electronic sensors to detect user presence and automatically activates the flush mechanism, eliminating the need for manual contact with the flush lever and thereby solving the hygiene problem while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic flush system enables the toilet to service itself by automatically detecting when flushing is needed through sensors and activating the flush actuator without human intervention, removing the harmful element of manual contact while preserving operational convenience
2Ease of operation
If successive flushing is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened during overflow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the toilet bowl conditions and provide feedback to the controller, which then determines whether flushing should be activated. This feedback mechanism prevents successive flushing during overflow conditions by detecting abnormal water levels or flow patterns and blocking automatic flush activation, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation through automatic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on real-time conditions by using sensors to detect overflow states and modifying the flush activation logic accordingly, allowing successive flushing under normal conditions for ease of operation while preventing it during overflow conditions to maintain reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If water pressure varies, then adaptability is improved, but reliability is worsened for flush actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flush actuator system with adjustable parameters and electronic control that can adapt to varying water pressure conditions. The controller monitors water pressure and adjusts the flush activation timing and duration to ensure reliable operation across different pressure levels, maintaining both adaptability to pressure variations and reliability of flush actuation
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
Ensures hygienic, reliable, and efficient flushing without manual contact, maintaining proper operation regardless of water pressure changes and preventing overflow.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic sensing assembly in communication with the flush actuator
Implementation Method 2
an overflow device in communication with the flush actuator... The overflow assembly is configured to engage the flush actuator assembly when a water level in the bowl is above a predetermined level
Implementation Method 3
The flush actuator assembly is activated by a water pressure during the engagement with the flush valve assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A flush toilet includes a bowl, a tank coupled to the bowl, a flush valve positioned within the tank, and a flush device configured to initiate a flush cycle. The automatic toilet further comprises an electronic sensing assembly having a sensing member positioned on the bowl for detecting an overflow condition of the bowl, an overflow device operably coupled to the flush device, and a controller in electronic communication with the electronic sensing assembly and the overflow device for controlling the flush device in response to a condition of the toilet.