Unpowered Automatic Flushing Module for Flush Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unpowered automatic flushing systems for toilets face issues with water wastage, complex configurations leading to increased manufacturing costs, and reliability problems due to high component counts and assembly difficulties, particularly when distinguishing between urination and defecation, which affects flushing efficiency and user trust.
Innovation Solution
An integrated flushing opening/closing portion within a detection switch module that controls toilet paper disposal and flushing based on air suction through adjustable parts, using weight load to operate valves and manage water supply and drainage without external pressure, reducing component count and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a cylinder rod operated by hydraulic pressure is used to determine urination and defecation, then automatic flushing function is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex hydraulic pressure system and cylinder rod mechanism from the toilet seat, replacing them with a simplified weight detection mechanism. The core flushing function is retained while removing the complicated intermediate components that caused high manufacturing costs and assembly difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic pressure-based mechanical system with a simpler weight load detection system. Instead of using water pressure to move a cylinder rod, the invention directly uses the weight of the user on the seat to trigger the flushing mechanism, significantly simplifying the overall system configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for hydraulic pressure operation, then flushing function is achieved, but productivity decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components into an integrated weight detection and flushing control system. By combining the weight sensor, control logic, and flushing actuation into a unified mechanism, the system reduces the number of discrete parts, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity while maintaining reliable flushing functionality.
3Extent of automation
If a complex hydraulic pressure configuration is used, then automatic flushing is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automatic flushing system into modular components: a weight detection module integrated into the seat, a control unit that processes the weight signal, and a flushing actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance compared to a monolithic hydraulic system, reducing both assembly difficulty and manufacturing cost while preserving the automatic flushing capability.
4Reliability
If water pressure is weak, then the cylinder rod cannot move, but strong water pressure may cause malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water pressure-dependent mechanical system with a weight-based detection system that is independent of water pressure variations. The weight of the user on the seat directly triggers the flushing mechanism, eliminating the reliability issues associated with weak water pressure and the potential malfunction risks from excessively strong water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from water pressure to weight load. By detecting the weight of the user on the seat rather than relying on water pressure to move components, the system achieves reliable operation across varying water pressure conditions, greatly improving adaptability to different water supply environments.
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
This solution prevents unnecessary water wastage, enhances user trust by ensuring reliable flushing without manual lever operation, reduces manufacturing costs, and stabilizes toilet flushing performance across varying water pressures.
Implementation Method 1
an opening/closing valve part of the flushing opening/closing portion is operated upward and downward by a weight load of the human body
Implementation Method 2
a restoration spring mounted on the air inflow adjustment member to restore the air inflow adjustment member to its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
An unpowered automatic flushing module for a flush valve having an integrated flushing opening/closing portion is proposed. The module controls time to dispose of toilet paper with feces and flushing of the feces while suctioning air from outside through a toilet paper time adjustment part when a toilet user defecates and leaves a toilet seat, and controls time to dispose of the toilet paper with urine and flushing of the urine so as to flush an amount of water for urination while rapidly suctioning the air from the outside through the toilet paper time adjustment part and a urine flushing adjustment part when the toilet user urinates and leaves the toilet seat, thereby preventing the toilet user from wasting the water by unnecessarily pressing a lever. In addition, the flushing opening/closing portion is integrated into a module of a detection switch instead of fixing to the toilet seat separately.