Toilet Accessory Mounting Layout for Cable and Hose Organization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Aftermarket installations of bidets or hand sprayers on toilets often result in poor organization and aesthetics due to the electrical wiring and plumbing connections, which are not effectively managed.

Innovation Solution

A management device with separate clip sections for securing electrical cables and water hoses, allowing for organized storage and secure mounting on the toilet, improving aesthetics and installation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bidet or hand sprayer accessories are mounted to toilet, then sanitation function is improved, but organization and aesthetics deteriorate due to unmanaged electrical wiring and plumbing connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitation functionVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The management device serves as an intermediary component between the toilet accessory and the wall, providing a structured platform that organizes and conceals electrical wiring and plumbing connections. This mediator structure includes cable management channels and mounting features that systematically arrange connections, transforming the chaotic appearance into an organized configuration while maintaining full functionality of the bidet or hand sprayer accessory

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The management device employs a nested structure where electrical cables and water hoses are routed through integrated channels and compartments within the device body. The cables and hoses are nested within dedicated pathways that lead to connection points, creating a compact, organized arrangement that eliminates external clutter and improves aesthetic appearance while preserving access to all connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If bidet or hand sprayer accessories are mounted to toilet, then sanitation function is improved, but organization deteriorates due to unmanaged electrical wiring and plumbing connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesanitation functionVSAvoidorganization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device is segmented into distinct functional zones: electrical cable management sections with dedicated channels and grommets, water hose routing pathways with connection points, and mounting attachment areas. This segmentation allows each type of connection to be independently organized and managed, simplifying the overall organization complexity while maintaining complete functionality of both electrical and plumbing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12060902B2Toilet mounted management device
Publication Date: 2024.08.13 KOHLER CO(US)
  • US12060902B2 patent drawing
  • US12060902B2 patent drawing
  • US12060902B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An accessory management device for a toilet accessory is disclosed. The accessory management device includes a mounting hole configured to receive a fastener, a first clip section configured to hold an electrical cord for supply power to the toilet accessory, a second clip section configured to hold a first portion of a water hose for providing water to a toilet accessory, and a body portion having a storage section to store a second portion of the water hose.