Adjustable Cord Toilet Flapper with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilet flappers often face issues such as the chain getting stuck, preventing the flapper from sealing the drain hole, and the installation process of a new flapper can be frustrating due to the need for adjusting the chain length.
Innovation Solution
A toilet flapper with an adjustable length cord and a locking mechanism that allows easy installation by imparting retraction tension and locking tension, enabling quick and secure attachment to the flush lever without the need for complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional chain connects the flapper to the flush lever, then the flapper can be moved to flush the toilet, but the chain may get stuck on the flapper preventing proper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic chain component entirely and replaces it with a cord system that is integrated into the flapper body. The cord is routed through a guide and attached to the flush lever, eliminating the chain's tendency to get stuck on the flapper while maintaining the necessary connection for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cord as an intermediary element between the flapper and flush lever, replacing the direct chain connection. This cord passes through a guide mechanism that prevents it from getting caught on the flapper, thereby mediating the connection in a way that avoids the sticking problem while preserving functional reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the chain length is fixed in a new toilet flapper, then the structure is simple, but the installation becomes frustrating due to the need for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cord length adjustment mechanism where the cord can be extended or retracted during installation to achieve the proper length. The cord is routed through a guide that allows it to be pulled to the required length and then secured, providing both structural simplicity and installation flexibility without requiring complex pre-adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the cord is made retractable with springs, then the cord can be pulled out for attachment, but the springs continuously pull the cord back making it difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a locking mechanism that allows the user to pre-position the cord at the desired length before securing it. The locking mechanism holds the cord in place once positioned, preventing the springs from continuously pulling it back, thereby enabling easy extension while maintaining stable positioning without requiring complex active control systems.
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
Facilitates easy and quick installation of the toilet flapper, ensuring proper sealing of the drain hole and reducing frustration during the installation process by allowing adjustable cord length and secure attachment to the flush lever.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the one or more springs impart a retraction tension on the cord that pulls the cord back into the raised portion
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism can impart a locking tension that is equal to or greater than the retraction tension imparted by the one or more springs in the raised portion of the body thereby preventing the one or more springs from pulling a portion of the cord that has been pulled out of the raised portion by a user back into the raised portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes toilet flappers having an adjustable length cord. For example, the present disclosure describes a toilet flapper having a body and two arms. The body has a top surface and a bottom surface. On the top surface, there is a raised portion housing a cord, a locking mechanism, and a spring. In order to install the toilet flapper, a user can grab a hook attached to the end of the cord and pull enough of the cord out of the raised portion so that the user can attach the hook to, for example, a flush lever. Afterwards, the user can press down on the raised portion in order to activate the locking mechanism and prevent any more of the cord from being pulled back into the raised portion by the spring.