Overflow Pipe Cleaning Cup for Toilet Bowl Chemical Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet bowl cleaning systems that interact with tank components can damage them over time, and direct bowl cleaning products are unsightly and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A toilet bowl cleaning cup system that integrates with the overflow pipe, allowing fill water to mix with a cleaning substance before entering the bowl, without interacting with tank components, using a holding device that secures to the overflow pipe and includes a cover to contain the cleaning substance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning chemicals are dispersed directly into the bowl, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and user comfort worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow pipe serves as an intermediary mechanism that delivers cleaning chemicals from the tank to the bowl indirectly. The cup attached to the overflow pipe holds the cleaning substance, and the overflow water acts as a carrier that transports the chemicals through the pipe rather than allowing direct placement in the bowl, thus maintaining both effectiveness and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning chemical delivery system is extracted from direct bowl placement and relocated to the overflow pipe mechanism. By removing the cup from the bowl environment and attaching it to the overflow pipe instead, the system separates the chemical delivery function from the bowl space, eliminating aesthetic and comfort issues while preserving cleaning functionality.
2Reliability
If cleaning chemicals are placed in the tank, then cleaning function is achieved, but tank components are damaged over time
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow pipe acts as an intermediary conduit that allows cleaning chemicals to bypass direct contact with tank components. The cup attached to the overflow pipe delivers chemicals only to the overflow water stream, preventing interaction with tank walls, flappers, and other mechanical parts while maintaining the cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning chemical delivery location is extracted from the general tank space and specifically relocated to the overflow pipe pathway. This extraction ensures chemicals follow a dedicated route that avoids tank components, separating the cleaning function from potential damage sources.
3Manufacturing precision
If a holding device is added to the overflow pipe, then chemical delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow pipe is given multiple functions: it serves both as the water flow conduit and as the mounting structure for the cleaning chemical cup. By attaching the cup to the existing overflow pipe, the system uses the pipe's structure for both water delivery and chemical delivery, avoiding the need for separate mounting mechanisms and minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning chemical delivery system is merged with the existing overflow pipe structure. The cup is attached to the overflow pipe, combining the water flow pathway and chemical delivery pathway into a single integrated system, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Reduces damage to tank components by isolating cleaning substances from them, while providing effective bowl cleaning without the unsightliness of direct bowl applications.
Implementation Method 1
the holding device configured to allow the fill water to flow over the cleaning substance and into the overflow pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The system may comprise an overflow pipe within a cannister; the cannister configured to translate along at least a portion of a length of the overflow pipe; a bottom of the cannister configured to adjust to allow tank water to flow into a toilet bowl; a holding device configured to interface with the overflow pipe; the holding device configured to receive fill water; the holding device configured to retain a cleaning substance; and the holding device configured to allow the fill water to flow over the cleaning substance and into the overflow pipe.