Top Mount Self-Locking Mechanism for Smart Toilet Seat Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of electronic functions in smart toilet top mounts leads to an unstable gravity center when the seat ring is lifted, affecting user comfort due to potential accidental overturning.

Innovation Solution

A top mount self-locking mechanism comprising an outer cylinder, a limiting clamp spring, a rotating shaft, and a positioning sleeve, where the limiting clamp spring with convex ribs and shifting pieces maintains the seat ring's position, preventing accidental overturning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electronic functions are integrated into the smart top mount, then the functionality and user experience are improved, but the structure of the rear base becomes bigger and the gravity center becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidgravity center stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded limiting clamp mechanism acts as a counterweight system that provides upward force to balance the downward gravitational force on the seat ring. The spring force compensates for the unstable gravity center caused by the enlarged rear base structure, maintaining stability during the lifted position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The self-locking mechanism is pre-configured with the spring-loaded limiting clamp and convex rib positioning system before use. When the seat ring is lifted, the mechanism automatically engages the convex rib with the limiting clamp at predetermined positions, preventing accidental overturning before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the seat ring is made to be freely movable for cleaning purposes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental overturning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovability for cleaningVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic movable state and back to locked position. The spring-loaded limiting clamp allows the seat ring to be moved when force is applied (for cleaning), but automatically returns to and locks in the stable lifted position when the force is removed, providing both mobility and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the seat ring and the limiting clamp mechanism. It guides the movement of the convex rib and ensures proper engagement with the limiting clamp, facilitating controlled movement while maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a self-locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental overturning, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting clamp, spring, and positioning features are merged into a compact integrated assembly within the outer cylinder. The convex ribs on the positioning sleeve and corresponding limiting clamps work together as a unified self-locking system, reducing the need for separate complex components while achieving reliable position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 stabilizes the top mount in its lifted position, ensuring user comfort by preventing accidental descent and enhancing the usage experience.

Implementation Method 1

the limiting clamp spring is made of an elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3992404B1Top mount self-locking mechanism
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3992404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3992404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention discloses a top mount self-locking mechanism, and relates to the field of smart top mounts for toilets. The top mount self-locking mechanism includes an outer cylinder, a limiting clamp spring, a rotating shaft and a positioning sleeve; the limiting clamp spring is arranged in the outer cylinder in a sleeved mode, the rotating shaft is arranged at an axis part of the outer cylinder, and the positioning sleeve is arranged on the rotating shaft in a sleeving mode and moves along with the rotating shaft, wherein, the limiting clamp spring is annular and includes a first convex rib and a second convex rib, the first convex rib and the second convex rib face the rotating shaft and are arranged on a longitudinal position of the limiting clamp spring; and shifting pieces are arranged on an outer side of the positioning sleeve and located between the first convex rib and the second convex rib. The invention has the technical effect that after the top mount part is turned up, its position can be stably maintained, and the top mount part cannot be accidentally turned down and affect the usage experience of a user in the process of being used by the user.