Modular Toilet Unblocking and Cleaning Tool with Nested Auger Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional toilet cleaning tools, such as augers, plungers, and brushes, are inefficient in terms of storage space, sanitation, and usability for less able-bodied individuals, and lack versatility to handle various toilet obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A combination toilet unblocking and cleaning tool that integrates an adjustable auger, detachable rod forming tongs, and interchangeable accessories like a brush, plunger, and scraper, allowing for a single unit that can be used as a multipurpose tool for unclogging and cleaning, with features like a longer handle and locking mechanism for extended use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional toilet auger with elongated drain cleaning cable and crank device is used, then unclogging function is achieved, but storage space requirement increases and sanitation deteriorates due to exposed cable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunclogging functionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drain cleaning cable is stored within the hollow handle of the plunger, creating a nested configuration where one tool is contained within another. This reduces the overall storage volume required while maintaining full functionality of both the auger and plunger components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple toilet cleaning tools (plunger, auger, brush) into a single integrated unit. The plunger handle serves as the structural core, while the auger cable and brush are attached as additional functional components, eliminating the need for separate storage of multiple tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional toilet plunger with short handle is used, then unclogging function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for less able-bodied individuals and water splashing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunclogging functionVSAvoidusability for less able-bodied people

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger handle is designed with extended length and adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing users to customize the handle position to suit their physical needs. This dynamic adjustment enables better leverage and reduced strain on the user's back and arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional toilet brush with short handle is used, then cleaning function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates for less able-bodied individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidusability for less able-bodied people

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger handle serves as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple cleaning tools including the brush, auger, and scraper. This multi-functional design allows a single extended handle to support various cleaning functions, benefiting users with mobility limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate toilet cleaning tools are used, then various functions (unclogging, cleaning, scraping) are achieved, but device complexity and storage space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of functionsVSAvoidnumber of separate tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger handle is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple cleaning tools including the brush, auger, and scraper. This multi-functional design allows a single extended handle to support various cleaning functions, benefiting users with mobility limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Device complexity

If conventional toilet tools without covers are used, then simplicity is maintained, but sanitation deteriorates due to exposed cables and components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of designVSAvoidsanitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11613884B2Combination toilet unblocking and cleaning tool

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 WANG CHI FU

AI summary

A combination toilet unblocking/cleaning apparatus for providing both a toilet unblocking and toilet cleaning tool in one convenient unit. The toilet unblocking tool further includes an adjustable auger, a combined tongs, and a detachable rod. Wherein, the adjustable auger includes two drain cleaning cable connected to a slider and slidable held in an elongated sleeve member; and the detachable rod is removably attached to the adjustable auger to form a combined tongs, constructed in such manner that the rod member can be used individually as drain rod. Also, the combination toilet cleaning tool is using the combined tongs as a handle with a plurality of different detachable bathroom accessories. Accessories may include a brush, a plunger, and a scraper; in which the brush, the plunger, and the scraper are configured to be selectively and removably coupled to the combined tongs.