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 flush valve, comprising the steps of:
detecting the presence of a user;
initiating a usage timer upon detection of the user;
stopping the usage timer upon the cessation of detection of the presence of the user, thereby generating a usage time t x representing elapsed time;
comparing the usage time t x to an average usage time t p or, if t p does not exist, to a preset usage time T p ;
selecting a flush volume to be used for a flush event based on the comparison, and
if T p was used for the comparison, averaging T p and t x to generate average usage time t p ;
if t p was used for the comparison, averaging t p and t x to generate a new average usage time which becomes t p .
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein t p is t i , a predetermined average liquid waste use time and further wherein selecting the flush volume comprises, if t x is greater than then selecting a full volume flush and if t x is less than t i , then selecting a reduced volume flush.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein t p is t l , a predetermined average solid waste use time and further wherein selecting the flush volume comprises, if t x is greater than t s , then selecting a full volume flush and if t x is less than t s , then selecting a reduced volume flush.
4. A computer program product for controlling the flush volume of a flush valve, the program product comprising machine readable program code for causing, when executed, one or more machines to perform the following method steps:
determining the presence of a user;
upon determination of the presence of a user, initiating a usage timer;
stopping the usage timer upon the cessation of detection of the presence of the user, generating a usage time t x ; and
determining if the usage time t x is greater than or equal to a predetermined average liquid waste use time t l , if t x is greater than or equal to t l , then a full volume flush is performed and modifying t l based on t x to calculate a new t l , if t x is less than t l , then a reduced volume flush is performed.
5. The program product of claim 4 , further comprising a predetermined average solid waste use time t s .
6. The program product of claim 5 , further comprising, if t x is greater than t i , then modifying t s based on t x to calculate a new t s .
7. The program product of claim 4 , further comprising storing the time t x in a memory unit.
8. The program product of claim 4 , wherein detecting the user comprises the use of a sensor selected from the group consisting of infrared, capacitance, weight, thermal, motion, and combinations thereof.