Universal Adapter Ring for Toilet Flush Button

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current toilet flushing control button systems require multiple adapter rings to accommodate different tank cover diameters and thicknesses, leading to increased costs and waste due to the need for unused adapters.

Innovation Solution

A single adapter ring design that can be positioned to accommodate openings of different diameters and thicknesses, allowing the control button to be adaptable to various toilet tank covers without the need for multiple rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapter rings are provided to accommodate different tank cover diameters and thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tank coversVSAvoidnumber of adapter rings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter ring is designed with a conical shape that allows it to function universally with tank covers of different diameters (14mm, 40mm, 50mm) and thicknesses (2mm plastic, 20mm ceramic). The cone geometry enables the ring to self-adjust and make contact at appropriate positions on the cover surface, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapter rings while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapter rings are provided for different opening diameters, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to unused adapters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different opening diametersVSAvoidwaste of unused adapter rings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The single conical adapter ring serves multiple functions across different opening diameters and cover thicknesses. Its geometric design allows it to be positioned at different angles and depths to accommodate 14mm, 40mm, and 50mm openings, as well as both thin plastic and thick ceramic covers, ensuring that one adapter ring replaces multiple previously required rings and eliminating material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single adapter ring is used for different thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cover thicknessesVSAvoidprecision of adapter ring geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter ring employs a conical geometry where the angle and dimensions of the cone are specifically designed to accommodate variations in cover thickness. The cone angle allows the ring to self-adjust its position along the thickness dimension, making contact at the appropriate depth for both thin (2mm) and thick (20mm) covers, thereby achieving adaptability through geometric parameter optimization rather than requiring high-precision adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2824247B1Control button for flushing mechanism
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 WIRQUIN PLASTIQUES
  • EP2824247B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2824247B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2824247B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a control button (1) for a toilet flushing mechanism, the control button (1) being configured to cooperate with an opening (2) in a toilet tank lid (3), the control button (1) comprising: - at least one push button, in particular two push buttons (4, 5); - a body (7) carrying said at least one push button and comprising a foot (8); - a nut (10) intended to cooperate with the foot (8) for retaining the control button (1) on the lid (3);The control button (1) includes an adapter ring (16) configured such that the same control button (1) can cooperate, by changing the positioning of the adapter ring (16), with at least three openings (2) of different diameters, the adapter ring (16) having a cylindrical central part (17) extending between a first end forming an outer circular collar (18), notably substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical central part (17), and a second end forming a circular shoulder (19) towards the inside of the cylindrical central part (17), extending substantially perpendicularly to the cylindrical central part (17) of the adapter ring (16).