Adjustable Cord Toilet Flapper With Retractable Reel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilet flappers often require complex and time-consuming installation processes due to issues with chain alignment and aging, leading to difficulties in sealing the drain hole and filling the water tank.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an adjustable length cord with a retractable cord reel and locking mechanism, allowing for easy installation by adjusting the cord length and preventing it from retracting back into the housing, thus simplifying the attachment to the flush lever and overflow pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chain is used to connect the toilet flapper to the flush lever, then the flapper can be moved to flush the toilet, but the chain may get stuck on the flapper or require complex adjustment, preventing proper sealing and filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cord length parameter through a retractable mechanism with adjustable locking positions. The cord can be extended or retracted to different lengths and locked at multiple positions, allowing easy adjustment without complex chain alignment. This resolves the technical contradiction by providing simple parameter adjustment instead of complex mechanical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic retractable cord mechanism that can change its length and configuration. The cord can be pulled out, retracted, and locked at different positions, transforming from a static chain to a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows easy installation and adjustment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the cord is made retractable with spring tension, then the cord can be easily stored and deployed, but the locking mechanism adds complexity to prevent retracting
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable cord mechanism uses spring tension to automatically retract the cord when not in use, eliminating the need for manual winding or complex storage mechanisms. The spring-powered retraction provides self-service functionality, resolving the contradiction by simplifying cord deployment while minimizing the need for additional locking complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking mechanism as an intermediary component that mediates between the spring tension and the cord. The lock prevents the spring from retracting the cord when adjustment is needed, but allows easy deployment. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by managing the tension-force balance without requiring complex overall system design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cord length is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the installation requires precise alignment and adjustment which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple pre-set locking positions in the retractable cord mechanism before installation. These pre-configured positions allow the installer to quickly select and lock the cord at the appropriate length without time-consuming measurements or adjustments. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while dramatically reducing installation time.
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
This solution enables quick and easy installation of the toilet flapper, reducing user frustration and ensuring proper sealing of the drain hole, thereby facilitating efficient water tank filling and flushing.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more springs are configured to impart a retraction tension on the cord, wherein the retraction tension causes the cord to be pulled back into the housing in the absence of an opposing force that overcomes the retraction tension.
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism is configured to impart a locking tension on the cord that is equal to or greater than the retraction tension and prevents the cord from retracting back into the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Toilet flappers having an adjustable length cord are disclosed. For example, a toilet flapper may include a frame with a guide structure. A float is connected to a bottom surface of the frame. A cap is connected to a top surface of the frame. A retractable cord reel is housed between the cap and the frame. During installation of 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 retractable cord reel and through the guide structure so that the user can attach the hook to, for example, a flush lever. In some embodiments, the toilet flapper includes a locking mechanism that impedes the cord from retracting back into retractable cord reel or from being pulled out of retractable cord reel by the user.