Wc fitting and wc with locking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toilet designs lack an efficient and user-friendly mechanism for separating and locking the toilet seat and lid parts, particularly for households with children or individuals with dementia, where unintentional dismantling can occur, and cleaning is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A toilet set with a swivel joint and pin system that allows radial movement of the pin for separation, featuring a rotatable insert element and holder with overlapping openings for locking and unlocking, facilitated by a protrusion for manual operation, which automatically locks when folded, preventing unintentional removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual operating mechanism is provided for removing the lid and seat, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and operating elements into the hinge structure itself. The operating elements are integrated into the hinge arms, and the locking mechanism uses the hinge pin and receptacle assembly, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing overall complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism automatically locks when the lid or seat is in the closed position, and can be easily unlocked by manual operation of the integrated operating elements. The spring-loaded receptacle automatically engages with the hinge pin, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional active components.
2Ease of operation
If spring-loaded and sliding latches are used for removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential unintentional activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded receptacle that automatically engages with the hinge pin to prevent unintentional separation. The spring maintains constant engagement pressure, and the receptacle geometry is designed to require deliberate manual operation to disengage, thereby preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of intentional removal.
3Reliability
If the lid and seat are permanently fixed to the toilet bowl, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic connection between the lid/seat and toilet bowl through the hinge mechanism. The connection transitions between locked (stable) and unlocked (removable) states based on user operation. This allows the assembly to be permanently fixed during normal use for stability, yet easily removable when cleaning is required.
4Reliability
If a rotatable insert element with overlapping openings is used for locking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert element is nested within the receptacle, with the insert element rotating inside the receptacle body. The openings in both components overlap to create the locking mechanism, allowing a compact nested design that achieves reliable locking without requiring additional external components or complex mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pivot joint construction for a lid part 1 or seat part 2 of a lid assembly or a complete toilet. The lid part 1 and/or the seat part 2 is removable and lockable in the installed position with respect to this removableness.