Toilet and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilets are often made with significant metallic components, leading to potential rusting issues and requiring multiple fasteners, which can be cumbersome and prone to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A toilet design featuring an upper and lower portion made predominantly of plastic materials, with a flow track and peripheral jets, and a trap integrated through injection molding and overmolding, utilizing a living hinge and snap-fit connections to reduce metal usage and enhance durability and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional toilets are made with metallic components, then structural strength is improved, but rusting and leakage issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to plastic (polymer) components throughout the toilet system. This substitution eliminates rusting while maintaining structural integrity through carefully designed plastic components including the tank, bowl, trap, and mounting hardware, all made from corrosion-resistant materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple components into unified plastic structures. The trap is overmolded onto the lower portion to create a seamless integration, and the living hinge integrates the tank lid and tank as a single piece, eliminating separate fasteners and seals that could leak.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fasteners are used to secure toilet components, then structural stability is improved, but assembly complexity and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge merges the tank lid and tank into a single integrated component with a built-in hinge mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate hinges, fasteners, and seals, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability through the monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit connection acts as an intermediary joining mechanism between the toilet components. Instead of using multiple mechanical fasteners, the snap-fit provides a simple, tool-free connection method that ensures stability without requiring complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used with multiple components, then sealing capability is achieved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overmolding process merges the trap and lower portion into a single integrated plastic component. This eliminates the need for separate gaskets, seals, and joints between these parts, removing potential leakage points while maintaining effective sealing through the continuous plastic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit connection serves as an intermediary joining mechanism that creates a secure, leak-resistant bond between components. This simple connection method eliminates the need for separate seals or gaskets, reducing leakage risk while ensuring proper component alignment and attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to toilets and associated methods. The toilet may include an upper portion secured to a lower portion. The toilet may incorporate a non-metallic material. A method of forming a toilet is also disclosed.