Tool-Free Toilet Installation Kit with Mounting Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing toilet bowls are cumbersome, requiring tools and causing potential injuries due to the weight and movement of the toilet during installation, especially for non-professionals, and are time-consuming even for professionals.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method for tool-free installation of toilet bowls using pre-sized flange bolts and bolt locking knobs, along with mounting blocks to facilitate alignment and secure positioning without the need for bolt cutters or wrenches, reducing the risk of injury and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard T-bolts are used for toilet installation, then the bolts can be positioned upright and fit into closet flange slots, but the bolts move during installation causing repositioning and requiring tools for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (mounting block or support structure) that stabilizes the T-bolts during installation. This intermediary element prevents bolt movement while the toilet bowl is being positioned, eliminating the need for repositioning and tool-based tightening adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning and securing the T-bolts in their final locations before the toilet bowl is installed. The mounting blocks or support structures are placed in advance to hold the bolts firmly, so that when the bowl is lowered, the bolts are already in their correct, stable positions without requiring adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a single person installs the toilet bowl, then the installation process is simpler, but the person must hold the heavy bowl suspended over the bolts causing musculoskeletal strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs anti-weight principles by introducing mounting blocks or support structures that bear the weight of the toilet bowl during installation. These supports act as counterweights, transferring the bowl's weight from the installer's body to the floor-mounted structures, thereby eliminating musculoskeletal strain while allowing single-person installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If longer flange bolts are used to accommodate various flange placements, then installation flexibility is improved, but the bolts require cutting to size and multi-component assemblies for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cutting the flange bolts to appropriate lengths during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site cutting. The bolts are supplied in predetermined lengths that accommodate various flange placements, and the mounting blocks provide pre-positioned tightening points that eliminate the need for multi-component assemblies with wrenches.
4Reliability
If standard installation methods are used, then professional installers can complete the installation, but the process is time-consuming even for professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service principles by designing an installation system that guides and supports the installer through the process. The mounting blocks and pre-positioned components serve the installer by automatically maintaining bolt positions and providing alignment features, reducing the time professionals spend on adjustment and repositioning tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or toilet assembly without tools, and an installed toilet assembly, are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt. The kits and assemblies include a flange bolt having a bolt head and a bolt stem extending from the bolt head and having an end portion opposite the bolt head, wherein the stem has an outer surface and the bolt head is configured so as to fit through an opening in a flange so that the bolt head contacts the lower surface of the flange and the end portion of the stem extends upwardly from the upper surface of the flange; and a bolt locking knob having an interior surface defining an opening extending therethrough, wherein the interior surface is configured so that when the end of the bolt stem is placed within the opening the interior surface of the knob contacts the exterior surface of the bolt stem in locking engagement and the knob is able to be hand tightened on the bolt stem when a toilet bowl base is positioned in place over the flange and the bolts have a size that is coordinated with the size of the locking knobs to eliminate the use of tools on installation of the bowl. Handle fasteners for manual tightening may also be included for installation of a tank on the bowl also without the use of tools. Mounting blocks are also described which enable installation while minimizing potential for injury due to suspending a toilet bowl or assembly while aligning the bowl so as to sit on a flange bolt(s).