Automatic dual flush activation
View Patent ↗A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
1. A method for controlling the flush volume of a flushometer, comprising the steps of:
monitoring for the presence of a user;
detecting the presence of a user;
initiating a usage timer upon detection of a user;
generating a usage time t x that equals time elapsed as determined from the usage timer when the user is no longer detected;
determining if a number of cycles N c that the flushometer has undergone is less than a predetermined number of cycles N p ;
if N c <N p ,
then determining if the usage time t x is greater than or equal to a preset usage time value T p where if t x is greater than or equal to the preset value T p , then a full volume flush is performed, and if t x is less than the preset value T p , then a reduced volume flush is performed;
if N c >N p ,
then determining if the usage time t x is greater than or equal to a calculated average usage time t p where if t x is greater than or equal to the calculated average usage time t p , then a full volume flush is performed, and if t x is less than the predetermined average usage time t p , then a reduced volume flush is performed; and
modifying t p according to the value of t x .
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein T p and t p further comprise a preset liquid waste use time value T l and an average liquid waste use time value t l , respectively.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein modifying t p comprises, modifying t l based on t x to calculate a new t l .
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein T p and t p further comprise a preset solid waste use time value T s and an average solid waste use time value t s , respectively.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein modifying t p comprises, modifying t s based on t x to calculate a new t s .
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing the time t x in a memory unit.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the user comprises the use of a sensor selected from the group consisting of infrared, capacitance, weight, thermal, motion, and combinations thereof.