Capacitive Touchless Siphon Flush Assembly for Hygienic Toilets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilets require manual handling for flushing, which compromises hygiene and limit design freedom, and existing electrically-powered flush systems have moving parts that can strain the system.
Innovation Solution
A touchless toilet assembly with a capacitive sensor and solenoid valve system that initiates a flush cycle by detecting user gestures, using a siphon valve mechanism with a tubular core and spray initiator to create negative pressure for automatic flushing without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual flush handle, lever, or button is used, then the flushing function can be initiated, but hygiene is compromised due to required contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flush initiation system (handle, lever, or button) with a capacitive sensing system that detects gestures without physical contact. The capacitive sensor detects changes in electrical field caused by user gestures, triggering the flush cycle electronically rather than mechanically, thereby improving hygiene while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive sensor as an intermediary between the user and the flush mechanism. Instead of direct contact with mechanical components, the user's gesture is detected through changes in electrical field, and this detection is translated into electronic signals that activate the solenoid valve, providing a non-contact interface
2Ease of operation
If moving parts are used in the flush system, then the flushing function can be actuated, but mechanical wear and system strain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moving mechanical parts in the flush actuation system with an electronically-controlled solenoid valve. The solenoid valve uses electromagnetic fields to control water flow without requiring mechanical moving parts that would experience wear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining flush actuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a solenoid valve that controls water flow through electromagnetic actuation rather than mechanical moving parts. The valve opens and closes water passages using electromagnetic fields to move a diaphragm or plunger, eliminating friction and wear associated with traditional mechanical valve components
3Ease of operation
If a touchless control system is implemented, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single control assembly unit that houses the capacitive sensor, controller, and power source together. This integrated design manages the complexity of the touchless control system by consolidating components, making the system easier to install and maintain while providing touchless operation capability
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
Enables hygienic, touchless flushing with reduced mechanical wear, allowing for varied flush volumes and improved design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
creating negative pressure in the tubular core and initiating a siphon flow of surrounding water in the toilet tank
Implementation Method 2
spray pressurized water on an entire perimeter of a tubular core inner surface to form a water seal, thereby creating negative pressure in the tubular core
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless siphon valve assembly for a toilet assembly having a toilet tank, the touchless siphon valve assembly comprising a control assembly and a siphon valve assembly, wherein the control assembly comprises a capacitive sensor, a controller, and a power source, and the siphon valve assembly comprises a tubular core, a head coupled to and surrounding an upper end of the tubular core, a spray initiator positioned in the head and extending into the tubular core, and a solenoid valve fluidly coupled to the spray initiator, the capacitive sensor is configured to detect a user gesture, and to indicate detection of the first gesture to the controller to initiate a flush cycle.