Toilet Overflow Control System Using Sensor-Triggered Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toilet overflows frequently occur due to clogged drains, especially in nursing homes where residents unknowingly flush objects, leading to water level rise and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A toilet overflow control system with an obstruction sensor and disconnection mechanism that detects water level thresholds, disconnecting the flush actuator from the flapper when the threshold is reached to prevent further water flow, using an electromagnet assembly and battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flush actuator remains continuously connected to the flapper, then the toilet can be flushed normally, but water overflows when the drain is clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction sensor provides feedback about the water level in the bowl to the disconnection mechanism. When the water level reaches the overflow threshold, the sensor triggers the disconnection mechanism to break the link between the flush actuator and flapper, preventing further water flow and thus preventing overflow while maintaining normal operation below the threshold
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnection mechanism is pre-configured to automatically disconnect the flush actuator from the flapper when the obstruction sensor detects the overflow water level threshold. This preliminary protective action prevents the harmful effect of overflow before it can cause damage, while allowing normal flushing operation when the water level is below the threshold
2Measurement precision
If the disconnection mechanism uses electromagnetic components, then precise water level detection is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction sensor is designed to be self-actuating through the buoyancy of the safety float, which rises with the water level and mechanically triggers the disconnection mechanism without requiring external power. This self-service capability ensures the system remains reliable during power outages while maintaining precise water level detection through the float's position
Solution Approach 2:
The safety float acts as an intermediary between the water level and the disconnection mechanism. The float converts the water level into mechanical motion through buoyancy, which then triggers the electromagnetic disconnection mechanism. This intermediary approach allows precise detection while providing a passive, power-independent triggering mechanism
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
Prevents toilet overflows by stopping water supply when the water level reaches a critical point, reducing damage and maintaining system functionality during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
the disconnection mechanism comprises an electromagnet assembly
Implementation Method 2
the obstruction sensor comprises a safety float configurable into a normal configuration and an overflow configuration corresponding to the water level inside the cavity of the toilet bowl reaching the overflow water level threshold
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a toilet comprising a toilet tank, a toilet bowl, a flush valve, and a toilet overflow control assembly. The toilet overflow control assembly includes an obstruction sensor mounted to the toilet bowl to detect if a water level inside the toilet bowl reaches an overflow water level threshold and a disconnection mechanism mounted to the flush valve and operatively connected to the obstruction sensor. The disconnection mechanism is configurable into an operative configuration wherein the flush actuator is operatively connected to a flapper and a disengaged configuration wherein a flush actuator is disconnected from the flapper if the water level inside the toilet bowl reaches the overflow water level threshold. There is also provided a toilet overflow control assembly for a toilet and a method for preventing toilet overflows.