Locking Nut Torque Slip Mechanism for Toilet Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener systems for attaching a toilet seat to a toilet bowl tend to loosen over time due to repeated use, and existing solutions either fail to provide adequate security or are overly complex.
Innovation Solution
A locking nut system that limits torque to a predetermined maximum, featuring a torque slip mechanism and an integrally-formed inclined surface to reduce bolt play, along with a sound indicating feature for adequate tightening feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fastener is tightened sufficiently to prevent loosening, then the attachment security is improved, but the risk of over-tightening damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut incorporates a torque slip mechanism that changes the mechanical parameter of torque transmission. When a predetermined maximum torque is reached during tightening, the slip mechanism allows relative movement between nut components, effectively capping the torque applied to the bolt and preventing over-tightening damage while ensuring adequate attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking nut includes a sound indicating feature that provides audible feedback to the user during tightening. When the torque slip mechanism activates at the predetermined maximum torque, it generates an audible signal that informs the user that adequate tightening has been achieved and further tightening should be avoided, thus preventing over-tightening damage.
2Reliability
If a rubber washer or gasket is used to prevent fastener loosening, then the attachment security is improved, but the complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut integrates multiple functions into a single component: the torque slip mechanism for torque limitation, the sound indicating feature for user feedback, and the locking mechanism for preventing loosening. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate rubber washers or gaskets, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking nut is designed to automatically limit torque and provide feedback without requiring external components or complex assembly procedures. The torque slip mechanism and sound indicating feature work autonomously during the tightening process, eliminating the need for additional protective components like rubber washers.
3Reliability
If mechanisms to ensure predetermined minimum torque are implemented, then the attachment security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound indicating feature provides immediate audible feedback to the user during tightening, clearly indicating when the predetermined minimum torque has been achieved. This simple auditory signal guides the user through the tightening process without requiring complex procedures, tools, or knowledge, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring adequate attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque slip mechanism automatically enforces the predetermined torque parameter through mechanical design. The transition from static friction to kinetic friction in the slip mechanism occurs at a specific torque threshold, providing a natural stop point that guides users to apply the correct amount of torque without requiring precise measurement or complex control mechanisms.
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 over-tightening, ensures secure attachment, and provides audible feedback when the locking nut is adequately tightened, maintaining the attachment securely without damaging the nut or bolt.
Implementation Method 1
the first slip surfaces of the ratchet gears engage the second slip surfaces of the posts while the first drive surfaces of the ratchet gears engage the second drive surfaces of the posts
Implementation Method 2
an integrally-formed inclined surface on the top of the locking nut can act as a bushing, which in turn can reduce or eliminate 'play' of the bolt in an oversize installation hole formed in the toilet bowl
Data Source
AI summary
A locking nut includes a nut top, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut top includes an integrally-formed bushing. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque. The locking nut includes structure to produce sound when the torque threshold has been reached.