Quick release hinge for a seat-lid unit of a toilet bowl
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-release hinges for toilet seat-lid units are difficult to disassemble and require excessive force due to lubrication issues and oxidation, making them inefficient and inconvenient, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release hinge with a bistable locking mechanism using a slider and pin system, where a single finger can activate the locking and unlocking, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without prolonged force application, and featuring a radial slider to convert linear movement into axial pin movement for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quick-release hinges use a locking mechanism with elastic elements and pins, then the seat-lid unit can be securely fastened to the toilet bowl, but the hinge becomes difficult to disassemble requiring excessive force due to lubrication issues and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic elastic element and pin locking mechanism from the hinge structure. Instead of using a traditional locking pin that requires forceful disassembly, the invention uses a simple bayonet-style coupling where the hinge is inserted at an angle and locked by a simple click mechanism, eliminating the need for complex elastic elements and pins that cause disassembly difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a universal bayonet coupling mechanism that serves both secure fastening and easy release functions. The same simple insertion and rotation action that provides secure mounting also enables easy disassembly by simply reversing the motion, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate mechanisms for locking and unlocking.
2Reliability
If conventional quick-release hinges require prolonged force application to activate the locking and unlocking mechanism, then secure fastening is achieved, but operation becomes inconvenient especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rapid bayonet-style insertion and rotation mechanism that secures the hinge in place with a single quick motion. The locking action occurs instantly upon rotation, skipping the prolonged force application period required by conventional mechanisms. Disassembly is equally rapid, requiring only a simple reverse rotation motion.
3Reliability
If conventional hinges use screws, nuts, ties, or screw anchors for attachment, then secure mounting is achieved, but quick removal and reinstallation becomes time-consuming and tool-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-nut-tie-anchor mechanical fastening system with a bayonet-style coupling mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners and complex anchoring systems, allowing for tool-free installation and removal. The secure mounting function is maintained through the angular insertion and rotation locking mechanism, while maintenance productivity is dramatically improved.
4Ease of operation
If conventional quick-release mechanisms use snap-type locking devices, then quick removal is enabled, but the mechanism becomes complex requiring multiple components such as gripping sleeves and annular grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex snap-type locking device components including gripping sleeves, annular grooves, and multiple elastic elements. The quick removal function is achieved through a simple bayonet coupling where a single rotational motion disengages the hinge from the mounting stud, reducing the mechanism to its essential functional elements.
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
Enables quick and simple installation and removal of the seat-lid unit with minimal force, allowing single-handed operation and improved ease of use in confined spaces, enhancing maintenance efficiency in public or office settings.
Implementation Method 1
comprising an elastic element (22) for returning said pin (21)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2~2a
AI summary
A hinge (10) for a seat-lid unit (50) of a toilet bowl (100) comprises a fastening part (12) and a rotation part (14) rotatably arranged about a rotation axis (15) and configured to be integrally stabilized with said seat-lid unit (50), said hinge (10) comprise also means (20) locking to a pin (21) slidably arranged in an outlet hole (16) along a direction substantially axial to said rotation axis (15), wherein said locking means (20) comprises a slider (23) configured to actuate said pin (21) along a substantially axial direction in order to engage the hole (13). The invention comprises also a hinge kit and a seat-lit unit (50).