Universal Toilet Flapper Retrofit for 2-Inch and 3-Inch Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in selecting the correct replacement flapper for flush valves due to variations in size and seat orientation, leading to confusion and the need for a system that can fit multiple flush valve sizes.
Innovation Solution
A flapper system comprising adjustable components such as upper and lower buoyancy domes, mounting arms, and fulcrums that can accommodate both 2-inch and 3-inch flush valves, with adjustable windows for air and water flow control, allowing for easy installation and compatibility with angled or flat seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single flapper system is designed to fit multiple flush valve sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper system is divided into separate modular components including a flapper main body, upper buoyancy dome, lower buoyancy domes, and mounting arms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and configured for compatibility with different flush valve sizes (2-inch and 3-inch), enabling a single system to adapt to multiple valve types without requiring a completely different flapper for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flapper system is designed with universal features that enable it to function with multiple flush valve sizes. The mounting arms incorporate adjustable fulcrums that can be positioned to match different valve seat locations, and the flapper main body includes multiple seal configurations that can be selected based on the specific valve size, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable windows are added for air and water flow control, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper system incorporates dynamic adjustable windows that can be modified during operation to control air and water flow rates. The windows are designed to be adjustable through mechanisms that allow users to change the opening size or position, enabling real-time flow control adaptation to different flushing requirements without requiring a completely different flapper for each flow rate need.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seal configurations are provided for different valve sizes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into separate seal components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the flapper main body. This allows each seal configuration (for 2-inch and 3-inch valves) to be produced using standard manufacturing processes and then combined with the flapper assembly, making it easier to manufacture multiple seal types compared to creating entirely different flapper designs for each valve size.
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 system provides a single solution for various flush valve sizes, reducing consumer confusion and simplifying the installation process while ensuring effective water flow control and compatibility with different seat types.
Implementation Method 1
upper buoyancy dome (2), a first lower buoyancy dome (4) and a second lower buoyancy dome (3)... configured to provide unique flappers that can be installed easily into different flush valve applications
Implementation Method 2
the main body window and the lower dome window cooperate with each other to adjust a water and/or air flowrate through both windows to form an adjustable window
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a flapper system and a flapper system kit that is compatible with both 2″ and 3″ flush valve seats. In some embodiments, the flapper system is configured to enable a user to select either a 2″ or 3″ flush valve seal for the flapper system. In some embodiments, the flapper system includes a pivot that enables sealing of a flat flush valve seat or an angled flush valve seat. In some embodiments, the flapper system includes one or more adjustable window assemblies that control a fluid flowrate within an internal portion of the flapper system to control buoyancy. In some embodiments, the flapper system includes an adaptor that converts a 2″ valve into a 3″ valve.