Adjustable Toilet Flush Lever Assembly for Universal Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toilet flush lever assemblies are not universally compatible with various toilet models and geometries, often requiring custom designs or bulky components that occupy space and are difficult to install, leading to early degradation and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A compact, adjustable toilet flush lever assembly with a rotatable post and adjustable internal lever arm that can be easily retrofitted to different toilet tanks, allowing for flexible positioning and orientation, including side and angle mounts, using a spring mechanism for efficient operation and minimal component size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large, bulky components are used in the toilet tank, then the lever assembly can be mechanically connected to the flapper, but the components occupy excessive space and are difficult to position within the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm is designed with a hollow interior that receives and houses the chain guide component. This nesting arrangement allows the chain guide to be positioned within the lever arm's volume, eliminating the need for separate external mounting space while maintaining the mechanical connection function between the lever and flapper chain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lever assembly is designed to be universally compatible with various toilet models, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with multiple positioning holes along its structure, allowing the effective length to be dynamically changed during installation. The chain guide is also positionable at different locations on the lever arm. These dynamic adjustment capabilities enable universal compatibility with various toilet tank geometries and flapper positions without requiring multiple different lever designs.
3Length of moving object
If the lever arm is made longer to increase stroke length, then the flushing capability is improved, but the lever becomes more difficult to position within the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm is segmented into an adjustable length design with multiple positioning holes. This segmentation allows the installer to select the appropriate effective length based on the specific toilet tank geometry and flapper location. The lever arm can be configured in different lengths to achieve adequate stroke for flushing while maintaining ease of positioning within the tank constraints.
4Volume of moving object
If the lever assembly uses minimal space within the tank, then space efficiency is improved, but the components may be difficult to connect to the flapper chain
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is nested within the hollow interior of the lever arm, utilizing the lever's internal volume rather than occupying additional external space. This nesting arrangement maintains space efficiency while the chain guide's positioning holes allow easy connection to the flapper chain at various locations, ensuring ease of operation during installation.
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
The solution provides a universal flush lever assembly that can be easily installed on a wide range of toilet models, maintaining leverage and stroke length while minimizing space usage, reducing production costs and enhancing reliability through adjustable components and a spring-based anti-rotation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
using a spring mechanism for efficient operation
Implementation Method 2
enhancing reliability through adjustable components and a spring-based anti-rotation mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems described herein are direct to an external lever configured to be positioned external to a toilet tank and actuated by a user to cause a toilet tank to flush. A first component comprising a first longitudinal member may couple to the external lever. A second component comprising a second longitudinal member may engage the first component at a perpendicular angle with respect to the first longitudinal member. The first and second components make up an arm that is configured to pass through a wall of the toilet tank. An internal lever arm may be positioned within the toilet tank such that the internal lever couples to the second component.