Toilet Seat Cover Damper with Variable Oil-Flow Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping devices for toilet seat covers suffer from inadequate damping efficiency due to manufacturing inaccuracies and structural deficiencies, leading to bulky designs with insufficient strength and poor turning angles, which affect both the lifting and closing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A damping device featuring an axle with symmetric ribs and a unidirectional member with staggered oil holes and longitudinal bars, allowing smooth oil flow during lifting and increasing damping efficiency during closing by reducing the oil slot depth as the cover closes, thereby optimizing the damping force and structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thickness of slot walls is reduced to accommodate larger U-shaped slots for better turning angles, then the turning angle and ease of operation are improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite structural design by integrating the unidirectional member with longitudinal bars and oil holes into a composite functional unit that combines structural support and fluid control functions, allowing optimized slot geometry without compromising overall strength
Solution Approach 2:
The slot structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: U-shaped slots for turning motion, longitudinal bars for structural support, and staggered oil holes for controlled damping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Reliability
If the oil channel is completely closed to achieve desired damping during closing, then the damping efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases due to defective cooperation between unidirectional blade and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of oil flow paths by creating staggered oil holes that are offset from the gaps in slot walls. This parameter change allows the oil channel to be effectively closed during closing operation while compensating for manufacturing tolerances in the cooperation between unidirectional member and housing
Solution Approach 2:
The damping oil itself acts as an intermediary that provides the damping effect. By controlling the oil flow paths through staggered holes and gaps rather than relying solely on mechanical closure, the system achieves reliable damping while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing precision
3Strength
If the unidirectional member is made larger to increase structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the unidirectional member: it serves as both a structural support element and a fluid control component. The longitudinal bars provide structural strength while the oil holes integrated into the same member control damping, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity
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 solution ensures easy lifting without damping and optimal damping during closing, extending the device's lifespan by improving structural strength and turning angles while maintaining efficient damping performance.
Implementation Method 1
damping oil would be propelled to flow from the second and fourth rooms towards the first and third rooms, and the unidirectional member would be impelled to contact with the first slot wall... the damping efficiency would be gradually increased
Data Source
AI summary
A damping device comprises an axle, a housing, a unidirectional member, and a damping oil. The unidirectional member in cross section is formed like a T-shape, and a top portion thereof is formed as an arc to cooperate with the housing's inner wall. Where the unidirectional member contains a U-shaped slot is defined oil holes interlaced with the gap of the first slot wall. The lifting of the cover generates little damping and the closing thereof generates a variable and yet optimal damping. The undersized unidirectional member also adds strength to the structure. The diminished cross-section of the unidirectional member contributes to a smaller U-shaped slot.