Universal Height-Absorbing Toilet Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sealing a toilet to a toilet flange are inefficient due to variability in flange diameters, heights, and floor levels, leading to unreliable wax seals that lack feedback during installation and are prone to leakage and odor issues.
Innovation Solution
A universal height absorbing toilet seal system comprising a flexible sleeve, compression member, and spacers that accommodate varying diameters and heights, providing tactile feedback and a reliable seal without the need for wax rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wax seals are used to seal the toilet to the toilet flange, then a seal can be formed, but the seal is unreliable and prone to leakage and odor issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional wax to a compressible material such as foam or rubber, which provides more consistent compression characteristics and reliability. The compressible material maintains sealing pressure over time better than wax, preventing leakage and odor issues while accommodating height variations in the toilet flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal comprises a composite structure with an outer compressible material layer and an inner sealing layer, combining the advantages of both materials. The compressible outer layer accommodates height variations and provides tactile feedback, while the inner sealing layer ensures reliable sealing against leakage and odor.
2Reliability
If multiple wax seals are used to accommodate height differences, then sealing can be achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressible seal is designed to universally accommodate all toilet flange height variations (above, at, or below floor level) and different flange diameters (3 inches or 4 inches) without requiring multiple seals or modifications. This multi-functional design simplifies the installation process and improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is divided into functional segments: an outer compressible layer for height accommodation and an inner sealing layer for leak prevention. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining a simple single-unit installation process.
3Reliability
If wax seals are used, then sealing can be achieved, but the installer cannot see if a proper seal has been formed and must rely on tactile feel
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible material is designed to change color or display visual indicators when properly compressed, allowing the installer to see if a proper seal has been formed. This visual feedback eliminates the need to rely solely on tactile feel and ensures reliable seal verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal provides tactile feedback through the compressible material's resistance and visual feedback through color changes or indicators, giving the installer immediate information about seal quality. This feedback mechanism ensures proper installation and improves both reliability and ease of detection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the toilet flange has varying diameters and heights, then different installation techniques are required, but this increases device complexity and reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as a universal component that works with all standard toilet flange types (3-inch and 4-inch diameters) and height variations (above, at, or below floor level). The compressible material and adjustable spacer system provide adaptability without requiring different installation techniques for different flange configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates a dynamic spacer system that can be adjusted to different heights and positions to accommodate varying flange configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility across different installation scenarios while maintaining a consistent, simple installation process.
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 ensures a consistent, reliable seal across different toilet flange types and heights, offering easy repositioning and improved installation efficiency by providing tactile feedback and maintaining a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member (16) disposed underneath the flange member (14)
Implementation Method 2
a flexible sleeve (12) depending downwardly from the flange member (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet seal for sealing between a plumbing fixture discharge and a waste drainpipe outlet is described. The toilet seal comprises a flange member having an inwardly extending flexible lip and one or more raised ridges defining an annular seal extending upwardly from an upper surface of the flange member. The toilet seal further includes a radiused wall extending downwardly from the flange member, which cooperates with the flange member to define a cavity for receiving a compressible member. The toilet seal further comprises a flexible sleeve extending downwardly from the radiused wall. Related methods are described.