Fixing pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing mechanisms for toilet seats, such as lever-cam mechanisms, face difficulties in confined spaces and struggle to accommodate variations in depth and diameter of toilet pan holes, leading to operational challenges, potential damage, and aesthetic issues, as well as hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
A fixing pin with an expandable section and a ratchet mechanism, where the ratchet mechanism is connected to a flexible connector, allowing axial compression to radially expand the section for secure fitting in varying hole sizes, and can be operated from a position adjacent to the pin, enhancing accessibility and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lever-cam mechanism is used to fix toilet seats, then the fixing can be secured, but it becomes difficult to operate in confined spaces and requires excessive force when hole depth varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the lever-cam mechanical system with a screw-threaded expansion mechanism. The screw thread converts rotational motion into linear motion to expand the fixing pin radially, eliminating the need for lever operation in confined spaces while maintaining secure fixing through threaded engagement with the pan material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter from lever displacement to rotational screw movement. The screw thread allows gradual expansion of the fixing pin through rotation, providing mechanical advantage and requiring less force compared to the sudden lever-cam action, especially when accommodating variations in hole depth.
2Reliability
If a lever-cam mechanism is used, then fixing can be achieved, but it may break or damage the toilet pan when hole depth is too great
Solution Approach 1:
The screw-threaded mechanism provides controlled, gradual expansion of the fixing pin through rotational movement. This allows the expansion force to be applied progressively rather than suddenly, reducing the risk of exceeding the material strength of the toilet pan and causing damage, especially when hole depth varies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic, adjustable expansion mechanism where the screw thread allows the user to control the expansion rate and final diameter. This dynamic control enables the fixing pin to adapt to varying hole depths without applying excessive force that could damage the pan.
3Reliability
If a lever mechanism is used, then fixing can be achieved, but it is unsightly and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operational mechanism (screw thread) from the visible area, allowing the fixing pin head to have a clean, aesthetic appearance. The screw thread is contained within or beneath the visible surface, eliminating the unsightly lever mechanism while maintaining the security of the fixing through the expansion mechanism.
4Reliability
If a lever mechanism is used, then fixing can be achieved, but it creates hygiene concerns as users may be uncomfortable touching the lever
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the lever mechanism with a screw-threaded system where the operational interface (screw head or knob) can be designed with larger, more hygienic surfaces. The rotational operation requires less direct finger contact compared to lever manipulation, and the mechanism can be positioned to allow operation without touching the fixing pin itself, reducing hygiene concerns.
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 reliable and hygienic securement of toilet seats, accommodating variations in hole sizes without requiring excessive force, reducing the risk of damage and improving aesthetics by allowing operation from restricted spaces.
Implementation Method 1
operation of the ratchet mechanism moves the lower element towards the expandable section, thereby compressing the expandable section axially and causing it to expand radially
Implementation Method 2
the lower element of the stem is connected to the ratchet mechanism by a flexible connector, such that operation of the ratchet mechanism moves the lower element towards the expandable section
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing pin having top section and a stem. The stem has an expandable section and a lower element adjacent thereto and the top section comprises a ratchet mechanism. The lower element of the stem is connected to the ratchet mechanism by a flexible connector, such that operation of the ratchet mechanism moves the lower element towards the top section, thereby compressing the expandable section axially and causing it to expand radially.