WC Rinser Sensor Unit for Consistent Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toilet flushers rely on flow conditions, which can lead to inconsistent dosing and disruption of water supply, causing inefficient release of active ingredients and unpleasant splashing.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a sensor unit to detect flushing water flow without intervening, integrated with a control unit and dispensing element, ensuring precise and controlled release of preparations into the toilet bowl.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a toilet flusher is positioned in or on the toilet bowl to release active ingredients, then dosing of cleaning and fragrance compositions is achieved, but the dosing becomes dependent on local flow conditions which vary by toilet type and positioning, leading to inconsistent release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent release of active ingredientsVSAvoiddependence on local flow conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical flow-dependent dosing mechanism with an active pump system that mechanically transports active ingredients from the storage container to the dispensing nozzle, ensuring consistent dosing independent of water flow conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit automatically detects the flushing process and triggers the pump system without user intervention, enabling the device to self-regulate dosing based on actual toilet usage conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If flushing water flows over a toilet flusher during use, then active ingredients can be released, but this disrupts the water supply provided by the toilet manufacturer and reduces flushing performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease of active ingredientsVSAvoidflushing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the water flow path from the active ingredient delivery path by using a dedicated dispensing nozzle positioned away from the main flushing water flow, allowing both functions to operate independently without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensor unit as an intermediary that detects the flushing process and triggers the pump system, enabling indirect coupling between water flow detection and active ingredient release without direct interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the introduction of a toilet flusher influences the flow of flushing water, then dosing can occur, but splash water is sprayed upwards from the toilet bowl which is perceived as unpleasant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing functionVSAvoidupward spray of splash water

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the dispensing nozzle at a specific location and angles it to direct active ingredients along the water flow in a controlled manner, ensuring local optimization of dosing while minimizing unwanted spray dispersion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of substance

If targeted flow control is used to reduce the amount of flushing water, then water usage is reduced, but intervention in the flushing water flow has a much greater influence on flushing behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of flushing waterVSAvoidflushing behavior stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the dosing function from the flushing water flow system by using a separate pump and dispensing mechanism, allowing water reduction without compromising flushing performance or stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables consistent and efficient dosing of active ingredients, reducing water usage and splash issues while maintaining flushing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor unit (11) to detect the flushing water flow essentially without intervention in the flushing water flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2334878B1WC rinser with fixing means

Publication Date: 2017.10.04 HENKEL KGAA

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser device, in particular a WC rinser for dispensing at least one preparation (4) into the inside of a toilet bowl (8), comprising a dosing device (2), at least one container (3) connected to the dosing device for storing at least one preparation (4), a dispenser element (6) for dispensing preparation (4), in particular into a toilet bowl (8), wherein the dispenser element (6) is in communication with the container (3) by means of a line (9), a sensor unit (11), suitable for recording vibrations, a fixing means for detachably fixing the dosing device (2) in particular to the edge of a toilet bowl (8), wherein the fixing means (10) are at least partly in contact with in particular the toilet bowl (8) and are designed such as to transmit vibrations in particular structural sound, in particular from the toilet bowl (8) to the sensor unit (11).