Decorative Sink Stopper Cap With Removable Waterproof Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sink stoppers have historically been difficult to decorate due to their functional nature and exposure to water and other substances, leading to a lack of aesthetic enhancement options compared to other bathroom fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A decorative attachment device that securely attaches two or three-dimensional decorations to the top of a sink stopper using various mechanisms such as snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, threaded pins, and magnetic attachments, allowing for easy installation and removal without leaving a permanent residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If decorations are added to sink stoppers, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but reliability of attachment is worsened due to exposure to water and substances
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative attachment device is divided into separate components: a base portion that interfaces with the stopper and a decorative cap that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the functional base to maintain reliable attachment while the decorative cap provides aesthetic enhancement that can be replaced if damaged by water exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism (such as adhesive layers, snap-fit components, or threaded connections) between the decorative element and the stopper. This intermediary protects the decorative portion from direct exposure to water and substances while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the conflict between aesthetics and reliability.
2Shape
If permanent decorations are applied to stoppers, then aesthetic enhancement is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to inability to remove or change decorations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent, allowing the decorative cap to be easily attached and removed. The use of removable adhesives, snap-fit designs, or threaded connections enables users to change decorations as desired while maintaining aesthetic enhancement, thus resolving the contradiction between permanent appearance and ease of removal.
3Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used to secure decorations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explores replacing complex mechanical attachment systems with simpler alternatives such as adhesive layers or magnetic attachments. This substitution maintains reliable attachment security while significantly reducing the complexity of the attachment mechanism, making the device easier to manufacture and use.
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
Enhances the aesthetic appeal of sink stoppers by enabling the attachment of diverse decorative elements, improving their appearance and aligning with user preferences while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The cap can be secured to the stopper cap using an adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
The cap can have various decorations upon its upper surface such as logos, team mascots, color patterns, and the like applied by painting or waterproof durable adhesive label. In one embodiment, the cap separates from the body with a male button, or snap, within a chamber at the end of the body. The cap has a cooperating female snap or button on its lower surface.
Implementation Method 3
Another embodiment shows the cap separate from the body where the body has a plate upon one end opposite the flange that receives male hook and loop fastener and has a centered aperture. The cap has female hook and loop fastener upon its lower surface and a centered pin depending beneath the cap. The pin engages the aperture to align the cap to the body.
Implementation Method 4
In another embodiment, the cap is secured to the stopper cap using a magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A stopper has an elongated body and a cap that detaches from one end. The body has a seal proximate the cap for engaging a drain ring. The cap can have various decorations upon its upper surface such as logos, team mascots, and patterns applied by painting or waterproof durable adhesive label. The decorative attachment device has a cap that separates from the body with a male button within a chamber at the end of the body. The cap has a cooperating female button on its lower surface. Another embodiment has the cap separate from the body, hook and loop fastener, and a centered aperture. The cap has female loop fastener and a centered pin depending beneath the cap. The pin engages the aperture to align the cap to the body. Alternatively, the cap has a magnetic link to the body.