Water discharge device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foam discharge devices suffer from complicated manual operation, excessive foam discharge, and unnecessary consumption of foam agents due to manual switching between water and foam modes.

Innovation Solution

A water discharge device with an electrical switcher and control circuit unit that automatically switches from a foam discharge state to a water discharge state after a predetermined time, preventing excessive foam discharge and agent consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching mechanism is used to switch between water and foam discharge, then the device can change discharge modes, but the operation becomes complicated and excessive foam accumulates in the drain outlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge mode switching capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical switching mechanism with an automated control system. The control unit automatically switches between water discharge and foam discharge modes based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation and preventing excessive foam accumulation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching mechanism is used to switch between water and foam discharge, then the device can change discharge modes, but excessive foam accumulates in the drain outlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge mode switching capabilityVSAvoidexcessive foam accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit monitors discharge conditions and automatically adjusts the switching between water and foam discharge modes. This feedback system prevents excessive foam accumulation by detecting when foam discharge should be terminated and automatically switching to water discharge mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching mechanism is used to switch between water and foam discharge, then the device can change discharge modes, but excessive foam agent is used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge mode switching capabilityVSAvoidfoam agent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically manage its own operation through the control unit, which autonomously switches between discharge modes based on detected conditions. This self-service mechanism ensures foam agent is used only when necessary and prevents waste through automated termination of foam discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of substance

If automated control is implemented to prevent excessive foam discharge, then foam agent consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam agent consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical switching mechanisms with an automated electronic control system. While this introduces electronic components, it eliminates the need for manual operation and provides precise control over foam discharge timing, ultimately reducing overall system complexity in terms of operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4684710A1Water discharge device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LIXIL CORP
  • EP4684710A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684710A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4684710A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A water discharge device 1 includes a switcher 3 and a control circuit unit 8. The switcher 3 switches between a first discharge state of discharging supplied water and a second discharge state of discharging a fluid obtained by mixing an additive into supplied water, through electrical operation. The control circuit unit 8 controls switching by the switcher 3 based on operation input from a user. When the second discharge state has been selected by operation input and when a certain time has elapsed from the start of discharge in the second discharge state, the control circuit unit 8 switches the operating state to the first discharge state.