Toilet Anchor Bolt Cap Assembly for Damage-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet anchor bolt installations face issues such as overtightening leading to porcelain damage, difficulty in cutting excess bolt length, unsightly exposure of anchor components, and challenges in aligning and securing the toilet during installation, while existing solutions complicate the process and fail to improve aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly for toilets that includes first and second parts connected by cooperating connectors, covering and stabilizing the anchor bolt shank to prevent movement, with interchangeable designs for aesthetic enhancement and secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a wrench is used to tighten the nuts on anchor bolts, then the desired captive force between the toilet and the closet collar flange is achieved, but the porcelain toilet surface may be damaged or cracked due to repeated contact and overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
A cap assembly with a stabilizing component is introduced as an intermediary between the wrench and the porcelain toilet surface. The stabilizing component distributes the tightening force across a broader area and prevents direct contact between the wrench and the porcelain, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of concentrated force while maintaining the necessary captive force through proper nut tightening
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is installed beforehand to cushion and distribute the forces applied during the tightening process. This preventive measure protects the porcelain surface from damage before the harmful effect can occur, allowing installers to tighten the nuts to the required captive force without fear of cracking the porcelain
2Shape
If the anchor bolt shank is cut to allow cap installation, then the cap can be properly installed for aesthetic purposes, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor bolt shank is designed with a threaded portion that allows the cap assembly to be dynamically adjusted and installed without cutting. The threaded connection provides flexibility in positioning the cap at the appropriate height while maintaining a secure fit, eliminating the need for cutting operations and simplifying the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor bolt shank is segmented into distinct functional portions: an unthreaded shank portion for engagement with the toilet mounting holes, a threaded portion for cap attachment, and a exposed portion for cap coverage. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function optimally while enabling cap installation without cutting the entire bolt
3Reliability
If the anchor bolt shank extends beyond the toilet mounting portion, then the nut can be properly tightened to create a seal, but the exposed shank and components create an unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
A cap assembly serves as an intermediary component that covers the exposed anchor bolt shank and nut while allowing them to maintain their functional positions. The cap mediates between the functional requirement of having the shank extend beyond the mounting portion for proper sealing and the aesthetic requirement of concealing the exposed components
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is designed to match the color and finish of the porcelain toilet surface, creating a visual continuity that conceals the exposed metal components. This color matching transforms the appearance of the exposed shank region from unsightly to aesthetically pleasing while maintaining the functional integrity of the sealing arrangement
4Shape
If multiple components are used to stabilize and cover the anchor bolt, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the cap body provides aesthetic coverage, the stabilizing component prevents rotation and ensures proper positioning, and the connector secures the assembly to the anchor bolt. This merging eliminates the need for separate stabilization and connection components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining aesthetic improvement
Data Source
AI summary
A cap assembly for a toilet. The cap assembly is configured to be operatively placed with respect to a toilet to shield from view at least portions of anchor bolts, and components that secure the anchor bolts to thereby maintain the toilet in an operative position with respect to a mounting surface. The cap assembly may additionally incorporate one or more functional features.