Low Noise WC Flushing Duct With Single Lateral Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional WC designs generate excessive noise during flushing due to the loud sound produced by the water discharge, which is a significant concern in noise-sensitive environments like hotels with multiple bathrooms.

Innovation Solution

A WC with a unique flushing water supply duct that narrows from a flowing portion to an outlet portion by approximately half, featuring a single flushing opening in the lateral wall and an inclined bottom wall, reducing flow speed and minimizing noise through a spiral flow path without compromising flushing efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional water supply ducts are used with large flow-through sections, then flushing power is sufficient, but noise level increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidflushing power
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by progressively reducing the flow-through section along the duct length. The inlet portion has a larger cross-section to accept water from the supply network, the intermediate portion reduces it, and the outlet portion has the smallest cross-section. This gradual parameter change allows the water flow to build up velocity and pressure control, reducing noise while maintaining flushing power at the bowl.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The water supply duct is segmented into three distinct portions: inlet portion, intermediate portion, and outlet portion. Each segment serves a specific function - the inlet receives water, the intermediate portion controls flow transition, and the outlet delivers water to the bowl. This segmentation allows optimization of each section for its specific purpose, reducing overall noise while maintaining flushing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple flushing openings are used, then flushing coverage is improved, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidflushing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flushing function to a single optimized opening rather than using multiple openings. This single opening is strategically positioned in the lateral wall of the outlet portion and is designed with optimal dimensions to provide both sufficient flushing coverage and noise reduction. By consolidating to one well-designed opening rather than multiple openings, the system achieves both goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the duct flow-through section is reduced by half from inlet to outlet, then noise is reduced, but water flow velocity must be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidwater flow velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing the duct with varying cross-sectional areas along its length. The flow-through section is dynamic rather than constant - it transitions from a larger inlet section through an intermediate section to a smaller outlet section. This dynamic geometry allows the system to control water flow velocity naturally through the pressure gradient created by the area reduction, achieving noise reduction while maintaining controlled flow velocity for effective flushing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design significantly reduces noise during flushing while maintaining high efficiency in cleaning the WC interior, ensuring low noise levels and improved hygiene with a rimless lateral wall for easier cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

the outlet portion (9) has a flow-through section that is equal to approximately half of the flow-through section of the flowing portion (8)... the outlet portion (9) is defined by the lateral wall (10) parallel to the axis (X) and by a bottom wall (11) arranged so as to close said outlet portion (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet effect: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3215682B1Low noise wc
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 CERAMICA CATALANO SPA
  • EP3215682B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3215682B1 patent drawingFigure 1b~2

AI summary

A WC (1) comprising a structure (2) defining at least one bowl (3) and a flushing water supply duct (5) obtained in a rear portion (2a) of the structure (2) to be connected to a water supply network, extending along an axis X and communicating with the bowl (3) so as to allow the flushing water to flow through. The flushing water supply duct (5) is defined at least by a flowing portion (8) and by an outlet portion (9) directly connected to the flowing portion and in a lateral wall (10) of which a single flushing opening (6) is obtained for the flowing of flushing water from the duct (5) to the bowl (3). The opening (6) has a flow-through section with an area ranging from 20 to 50% of the area of the flow-through section of the outlet portion (9) and the outlet portion (9) has a flow-through section with an area ranging from 35 to 65% of the area of the flow-through section of said flowing portion ( 8 ).