Water Closet Flange Cap with Security Screws and Breakable Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
During construction, the exposed sewer line and water closet flange are often used as a disposal site for debris, leading to plumbing issues once the toilet is installed, as existing flange covers are easily removable by workers.
Innovation Solution
A cap for the water closet flange with a rubber sealant, handle, and security screws that require a specialized tool to remove, making it more difficult to access the flange without authorization before the job is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple flange cover is used, then the installation process is simple and quick, but workers can easily remove it and dispose of debris in the sewer line
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-equipped with security screws and a breakable retaining ring that prevent removal before the toilet is installed. The retaining ring is designed to break or be destroyed during proper installation, allowing authorized removal only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap transitions from a removable state during construction to a secured state through the retaining ring and security screws. The physical state of the retention mechanism changes from intact (preventing removal) to broken/removed (allowing authorized access).
2Reliability
If security measures are added to the flange cap, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The security mechanism is divided into separate components: the retaining ring, security screws, and breakable tabs. This segmentation allows the cap to maintain security through multiple independent elements rather than a single complex locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring and its tabs are designed as disposable security features that are meant to be broken or removed during proper installation. Once their security function is fulfilled, they are discarded, simplifying the final installation state.
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
Prevents unauthorized disposal of waste into the sewer line, reducing the likelihood of clogging and ensuring a cleaner installation process by securing the cap in place until the job is finished.
Implementation Method 1
The cap for the water closet flange has a rubber sealant or gasket to seal against the water closet flange
Data Source
AI summary
A cap for water closet flange which fits over the water closet flange is disclosed. The cap for water closet flange contains a round structure, the round structure contains a top surface section, the top surface section containing: first threaded screw opening, second threaded screw opening, a first screw, a second screw a side section and an underside, with the underside comprising a first projection having a first head, a second projection having a second head, a continuation of said fast threaded screw opening; and a continuation of the second threaded screw opening. The underside of the cap for water closet flange is aligned with a water closet flange. The first head of the first projection and the second head of the second projection are inserted into head slots of the water closet flange and rotated. The first screw and the second screw are screwed into position, locking the cap for the water closet flange into position.