Universal Canister Flush Valve with Adjustable Float Extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing canister flush valves are not universally compatible with the diverse range of toilet configurations, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for multiple variants to accommodate different structural and functional variations in toilets.
Innovation Solution
A universal canister flush valve design that includes a valve body, a guide post, a float, and an extender, allowing for adjustable buoyancy and overflow height, thereby accommodating various toilet designs and reducing the need for multiple valve variants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of canister flush valves are produced to accommodate different toilet designs, then compatibility with various toilet configurations is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal canister flush valve design where the float can be configured with different extender combinations to accommodate various toilet overflow heights. The float assembly serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy control, defines overflow height through different extender combinations, and interfaces with various toilet configurations. This single universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized valve variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The float assembly is segmented into modular components including the float body, extenders, and sealing elements. These segments can be selectively combined or removed to adjust the overflow height and adapt to different toilet configurations. The extender components can be individually attached or detached from the float, allowing flexible configuration without requiring entirely different valve designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of canister flush valves are produced to accommodate different toilet designs, then compatibility with various toilet configurations is improved, but manufacturing cost and service cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal float assembly design consolidates multiple valve variants into a single product family. The same float body, guide post, and sealing components are used across all configurations, with only the extender combinations varying. This reduces tooling costs, simplifies supply chain management, and lowers per-unit manufacturing costs compared to producing entirely separate valve designs for each toilet configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular extender components can be easily removed, discarded, or replaced depending on the specific toilet configuration requirements. This allows for flexible assembly line production where extenders are added or removed based on order specifications, reducing the need for expensive retooling and enabling cost-efficient customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of canister flush valves are produced to accommodate different toilet designs, then compatibility with various toilet configurations is improved, but ease of repair and customer service difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal design means that the same float body, guide post, seal, and internal valve components are used across all toilet configurations. When a repair is needed, customers and service technicians deal with the same part numbers and replacement procedures regardless of which toilet model is installed. This eliminates the confusion of determining which variant is installed and simplifies troubleshooting and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular extender components that define different overflow heights can be easily removed or replaced by customers or technicians without requiring specialized knowledge. If an extender is causing an issue, it can be independently replaced without affecting the core valve mechanism, simplifying repair procedures and reducing service costs.
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
The universal canister flush valve simplifies installation and maintenance by eliminating confusion over valve types and reduces costs by minimizing the number of required valve variants, while ensuring compatibility with a wide range of toilet configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a float fitted about and configured to slide relative to the guide post between a closed position and an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A universal canister flush valve having a valve body configured to be fixed relative to a toilet tank and having a hollow wall defining an internal flow passage; a guide post coupled to and extending away from the valve body; a float fitted about and configured to slide relative to the guide post between a closed position and an open position, the float having an open top; and an extender that selectively couples to the open top in a first position, in which a first end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, and in a second position, in which a second end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, wherein the extender and float define a first overflow height in the first position and define a second overflow height in the second position.