T-Nut with Embedded Wing Nut for Tool-Free Toilet Flange Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet bowl flange nut assemblies require tools for installation and are prone to water damage leading to oxidation and structural failure.
Innovation Solution
A T-nut structure with a plastic wing nut embedded inside, featuring a cavitated base, handle, and rubber ring to secure the toilet flange assembly without tools, preventing oxidation through a plastic and rubber ring seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flange nut assembly is used, then the connection can be secured, but tools are required for installation and the metal components are prone to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into two functional parts: a plastic body providing the structural framework and corrosion resistance, and a metal threading section providing the fastening function. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function while eliminating the need for additional tool components.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut transitions from entirely metal construction to a composite structure with plastic exterior and metal interior threading. This parameter change in material composition provides corrosion resistance while maintaining fastening capability, and the enlarged plastic body provides tool-free installation through hand grip surfaces.
2Strength
If metal nuts are used for flange assembly, then secure fastening is achieved, but the components oxidize and fail structurally over time
Solution Approach 1:
The nut combines plastic material for the exterior body with metal material for the internal threading. The plastic portion provides corrosion resistance and structural integrity in wet environments, while the metal threading maintains fastening strength. This composite approach eliminates oxidation failures while preserving secure attachment capability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional metal nuts are used, then the flange can be secured, but water causes oxidation and structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic body acts as a sacrificial protective element that prevents water from reaching the metal threading. Even if the plastic degrades over time, the metal threading remains protected, extending the overall service life of the fastening system in wet environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A T-nut for a toilet bowl flange bolt is an apparatus that fastens a bolt for a toilet bowl flange without additional tools. The apparatus includes a T-nut body and a wing nut. The T-nut body tightens the bolt with the toilet bowl flange. The wing nut secures the bolt with the T-nut and the toilet bowl flange. The T-nut includes a cavitated base, a handle, and a first threaded hole. The cavitated base engages the bolt through the first threaded hole. The handle allows a user to maneuver the cavitated base until the cavitated base securely presses against the toilet bowl flange. The wing nut includes a nut member, at least one wing member, and a second threaded hole. The nut member engages with the bolt through the second threaded hole as well, and the at least one wing member latches the nut member into the cavitated base.