Toilet Clamp-Spring Quick Coupling for Single-Action Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current toilet tank-to-bowl coupling systems require moderate mechanical aptitude and are time-consuming, making them difficult for some users to install without professional assistance.

Innovation Solution

A quick-coupling mechanism featuring a clamp spring and release button that secures the valve body in place, allowing for a secure and leak-free connection between the toilet tank and bowl, with simplified installation through a single action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional coupling systems are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connectionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp spring transitions between a locked state (when the valve body is inserted) and a unlocked state (when the release button is pressed), allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping force. This enables secure connection during installation and easy release when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp spring automatically engages with the valve body groove when the valve body is inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. This self-service mechanism achieves secure connection while significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional coupling systems are used, then secure connection is achieved, but mechanical aptitude requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connectionVSAvoidmechanical aptitude requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp spring automatically engages with the valve body groove when the valve body is inserted, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. This self-service mechanism achieves secure connection while significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The release button changes the physical state of the clamp spring by bending its arms outward, transitioning from a locked to unlocked state. This simple parameter change (button press → spring deformation → release) eliminates the need for complex mechanical operations while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If clamp spring is made rigid for secure locking, then connection strength increases, but release difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrelease difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp spring transitions between a locked state (when the valve body is inserted) and a unlocked state (when the release button is pressed), allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping force. This enables secure connection during installation and easy release when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The mechanism reduces installation time and difficulty, providing a secure and leak-free connection between the toilet tank and bowl, enhancing user-friendliness and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the release button bends the arms of the clamp spring outwardly to increase the diameter of the clamping portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250257553A1Quick-coupling mechanism for toilet and method of using same

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

At least one embodiment relates to a quick-coupling mechanism including a clamp spring configured to receive a valve body. The clamp spring is coupled to a release button configured to manipulate one or more arms of the clamp spring. The quick-coupling mechanism includes a base structure coupled to the toilet pedestal/bowl. The base structure is configured to hold the clamp spring in place. In a locking-state, the clamp spring seats in a groove in the valve body thus securing the valve body in place and preventing an axial movement of the valve body relative to the clamp spring. In a non-locking state, the release button bends the arms of the clamp spring outwardly to increase the diameter of the clamping portion, thus releasing valve body such that the valve body can move axially relative to the clamp spring.