Garbage Disposal Mounting Tool with Threaded Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing tools for mounting garbage disposal adapters to sinks are either complex, costly, or difficult to use, lacking a simple and effective solution for secure installation.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing tool comprising a lower and upper portion with a threaded rod and handle mechanism, along with a plurality of fingers, captures the adapter between the two portions, allowing for secure mounting to the sink using a snap ring and fiber gasket, facilitated by a method involving plumber's putty and a threaded assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing plumbing tools are used for mounting garbage disposal adapters, then installation can be performed, but the tools are complex, costly, and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle portion, a shaft portion with threaded rod, and a mounting adapter assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to integrated complex tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential mounting functions needed for installing a garbage disposal adapter, removing unnecessary features found in existing tools. The tool focuses solely on positioning, securing, and tightening operations, eliminating complex adjustment mechanisms and multiple attachment options.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing plumbing tools are used for mounting garbage disposal adapters, then installation can be performed, but the tools are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured: a basic threaded rod, standard nuts, a simple handle, and a mounting adapter. These components are designed for single-use or limited-use scenarios where high durability is not required, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate installation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool utilizes self-contained features such as self-tapping threads, self-aligning mounting surfaces, and automatic positioning mechanisms that eliminate the need for specialized manufacturing processes or high-precision machining, thereby reducing production costs while ensuring reliable installation.
3Ease of operation
If existing plumbing tools are used for mounting garbage disposal adapters, then installation can be performed, but the tools are difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting adapter is pre-assembled with the flange and mounting rings in a predetermined configuration before installation. The threaded rod is pre-positioned on the shaft, and the snap ring is pre-installed on the flange. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations during installation, making the tool easier to use and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the handle provides leverage for tightening, the shaft positions the adapter, the threaded rod secures the mounting rings, and the snap ring retains components. This merging of functions into one tool eliminates the need for multiple separate tools or complex multi-step procedures.
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 tool provides a simple, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for mounting the garbage disposal adapter, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal, thereby addressing the limitations of prior tools.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus (26) selectively draws the lower portion (22) to the upper portion (24)... The apparatus (26) comprises a threaded rod (46) and a handle (48)... by threading and tightening
Implementation Method 2
along with a snap ring and fiber gasket for secure mounting
Implementation Method 3
along with a snap ring and fiber gasket for secure mounting
Data Source
AI summary
A plumbing tool that mounts an adapter of a garbage disposal to a sink, wherein the adapter of the garbage disposal includes an upper mounting ring with a trio of screws, a backup flange, a fiber gasket, a sink flange, and a snap ring. The plumbing tool includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and an apparatus. The apparatus selectively draws the lower portion to the upper portion to capture the adapter of the garbage disposal therebetween and thereby mount the adapter of the garbage disposal to the sink.