Dual-Trap Toilet Gasket Interface for Air and Water Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-trap toilets suffer from leaks of flush water and air into other portions of the toilet due to inadequate sealing between components, compromising the effectiveness of the trapway and toilet tank interface.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual gaskets with collared and recessed portions that are compressed in multiple directions to form a tighter seal between the toilet tank, trapway, and toilet bowl, preventing leaks of flush water and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing interfaces are used between the toilet tank, trapway, and toilet bowl, then the structure is simple, but leaks of flush water and air occur into other portions of the toilet
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is divided into multiple functional portions: a collar portion for vertical compression between tank and deck, and a protrusion portion for horizontal compression into the receiving area. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific sealing needs at different locations and directions, preventing leaks while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket design transitions from conventional single-direction sealing to multi-directional sealing by adding a protrusion that extends horizontally into the receiving area. This dimensional addition enables compression forces to act in both vertical and horizontal directions, creating a more robust seal that prevents leaks of flush water and air.
2Reliability
If a gasket without recess and protrusion is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the seal is not effective under multi-directional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into distinct portions (collar and protrusion) that can be manufactured separately or as integrated features. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes while achieving complex sealing functionality, balancing manufacturing ease with seal robustness under multi-directional forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the gasket are designed with different geometries suited to their specific functions: the collar portion for vertical compression and the protrusion portion for horizontal compression. This local differentiation of quality ensures effective sealing at each location without requiring the entire gasket to be overly complex.
3Reliability
If the gasket collar is compressed vertically between tank and deck, then vertical sealing is achieved, but horizontal sealing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into a collar portion for vertical sealing and a protrusion portion for horizontal sealing. This segmentation allows the vertical and horizontal sealing functions to be performed by dedicated portions of the gasket, preventing both vertical and horizontal leaks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket design adds a horizontal dimension to the sealing action by incorporating a protrusion that extends into the receiving area. This dimensional addition enables the gasket to resist horizontal forces and prevent air and water leaks in the horizontal direction, complementing the vertical sealing provided by the collar.
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 improved sealing mechanism enhances the fit and robustness of the interface, ensuring effective containment of pressurized air and flush water, thereby maintaining a vacuum or positive pressure as needed for efficient flushing and odor prevention.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more gaskets may comprise a collared portion and/or a recessed portion that protrudes into the toilet deck of the dual-trap toilet. Use of a gasket having a recess and/or protrusion as described herein may allow for the gasket to be compressed by forces acting in multiple different directions—e.g., the collar may be compressed vertically between the tank and the deck, while the protrusion may be compressed horizontally by a receiving area into which it is inserted.
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet assembly may comprise a toilet tank to hold flush water, a flush valve assembly positioned in the toilet tank, a toilet deck, a toilet bowl, a trapway in flow communication with the toilet bowl, a container positioned in the toilet tank, and a connecting tube extending from an interior of the container to the trapway. A first gasket positioned between the toilet tank and the toilet deck may form a seal around the flush valve assembly. A second gasket positioned between the toilet tank and the toilet deck may form a seal around the connecting tube. The first gasket may comprise a recess for receiving the flush valve assembly and a protrusion extending into the toilet deck.