Vacuum-Actuated WC Flush Valve Using Overflow Pipe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drain valve actuation systems in toilet cisterns are space-intensive and component-heavy, leading to high costs and complex assembly, with existing pneumatic systems requiring additional components and energy for operation.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-based pneumatic system that uses a single pneumatic actuator subjected to negative pressure to adjust the overflow pipe, eliminating the need for bellows and leveraging the line pressure from the water supply network to generate vacuum, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pneumatic system with bellows and mechanical linkage is used to actuate the drain valve, then the drain valve can be controlled, but the system requires large installation space and many components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bellows component from the pneumatic system, extracting only the essential function of pressure actuation. The overflow pipe itself serves as the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate bellows and mechanical linkages while maintaining the core function of converting pneumatic pressure into valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pipe is given a dual function: it serves both as the overflow channel for excess water and as the pneumatic actuator for opening the drain valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuating components, reducing system complexity and component count.
2Reliability
If a conventional pneumatic system with bellows is used, then the drain valve can be actuated, but the installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overflow pipe and the pneumatic actuator into a single integrated component. The overflow pipe structure itself performs the actuation function, combining two previously separate functions into one element, thereby minimizing the space required for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the bellows component entirely and using the overflow pipe as the actuating element, the system footprint is significantly reduced. The extraction of unnecessary components directly translates to reduced installation space while maintaining actuation functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a water-carrying vacuum unit is used to generate vacuum, then external energy is eliminated, but the system requires integration with water supply network
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum unit utilizes the existing water supply network flow to generate vacuum automatically, without requiring external energy input. The system serves itself by using the kinetic energy of flowing water to create the necessary vacuum pressure, eliminating the need for separate power sources or energy input mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply network serves a dual purpose: providing water for flushing and providing kinetic energy to drive the vacuum unit. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate without external energy while utilizing existing infrastructure.
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 solution reduces installation space and component count, eliminates the need for external energy, and ensures reliable closure of the drain valve during repairs by integrating the vacuum unit with the water supply, preventing unintended flushing.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum unit generates a vacuum acting on the pneumatic actuator in order to adjust the stroke of the overflow pipe
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum unit carries water, i.e. a vacuum nozzle or a water jet pump. Since the vacuum nozzle/water jet pump carries water, air is sucked out of the pneumatic actuator, ie a negative pressure is generated in the pneumatic actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for actuating a discharge valve (19) of a WC flush tank (1), comprising at least one push-button (23, 25; 81) that, when manually push-actuated, sets the discharge valve (19) to an open position in which a quantity of flushing water can flow out of the discharge connector (5) of the WC flush tank (1). According to the invention, the device has at least one control valve (43) which can be actuated by the push-button (23, 25; 81) and is arranged in a control line (35) connected to a water supply grid. When the push-button (23, 25) is manually push-actuated, a volumetric flow rate (rh) of water can be set by means of the control valve (43), said volumetric flow rate of water being used to actuate the discharge valve (19).