Plumbing fixture cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covers for plumbing fixtures are difficult to attach and detach easily, especially in a wet and soapy environment, and often feature complex mechanisms that can be misleading or prone to slipping off.

Innovation Solution

A device with a flexible body and reversible flaps made from polymers like elastomers or thermoplastics, which can flex to attach and detach from plumbing fixtures without complex mechanisms, providing a secure and easy-to-use solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex tightening mechanisms are used to prevent removal, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and the mechanism can still slip off in wet conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism is divided into multiple flaps (first flap, second flap, third flap) that can independently flex and engage with the plumbing fixture. Each flap acts as a separate securing element, providing reliable attachment while maintaining simplicity. The flaps are segmented portions of the body that can move independently to accommodate the fixture contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism incorporates flexible flaps that can dynamically adjust their position and shape. The flaps are configured to flex during attachment and detachment operations, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different fixture sizes and shapes. This dynamic flexibility provides secure engagement without requiring complex rigid mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the cover is designed to be easily attached and detached, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as the cover may slip off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The body of the device is made from a flexible polymer material that allows the positioning mechanism to conform to the plumbing fixture contours. The flexible flaps can bend and flex to engage securely with the fixture surface, providing reliable attachment through friction and geometric interlocking rather than rigid mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism uses simple, inexpensive polymer flaps instead of complex metal fasteners or locking mechanisms. These flaps are designed as single-use or limited-life components that provide sufficient security for their intended purpose without requiring maintenance or complex assembly/disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of manufacturingVSAvoidadaptability to different fixture sizes and shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism's adaptability is achieved through changes in the physical parameters of the polymer material, specifically its flexibility and elastic properties. By selecting appropriate polymer formulations and thicknesses, the flaps can be tuned to accommodate a range of fixture sizes and shapes while maintaining the same simple monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible polymer body with multiple flaps serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, conforms to various fixture geometries, provides securing engagement through flap flexing, and allows easy attachment and detachment. This universal design works across different plumbing fixture types without requiring model-specific variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device securely covers plumbing fixtures while allowing easy attachment and detachment, even in wet conditions, with the flexible design ensuring a snug fit and resistance to removal, enhancing usability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The polymer may be an elastomer, a resin, a gel, a copolymer, a thermoplastic, and/or any combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first flap may be configured to flex when applying the device to a plumbing fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10849465B2Plumbing fixture cover

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 AMERICAN ACCESSORIES INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A device comprising: a body, the body comprises an interior and an exterior, the interior of the body defining a space configured to accommodate at least a portion of a plumbing fixture and the exterior of the body forming a decorative display; and a first flap attached to the body of the device and configured to attach the device to a plumbing fixture.