Universal Mounting Bracket for Toilet Tank Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-piece toilet systems require different mounting brackets for toilets with two or three mounting locations, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple bracket designs and aftermarket compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting bracket with a base and multiple mounting locations, including both two and three configurations, that can secure a toilet tank to a pedestal using a valve body and fasteners, allowing for fluid connection and secure attachment regardless of the toilet's mounting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting brackets are used for two-mount and three-mount toilets, then each bracket can be optimized for its specific mounting configuration, but the overall system complexity increases and compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with multiple mounting location options (first set with two locations, second set with three locations) that can accommodate both two-mount and three-mount toilet configurations. The bracket can be selectively mounted at different locations around the outlet, making a single bracket design universal for multiple mounting scenarios, thereby eliminating the need for separate bracket designs while maintaining optimized performance for each configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple bracket designs are maintained for different mounting configurations, then each design can be optimized for its specific use, but manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single mounting bracket design incorporates multiple mounting location options (first set with two locations on opposite sides, second set with three locations in a triangular pattern) that can accommodate both two-mount and three-mount toilet configurations. This universal design allows manufacturers to produce one bracket type instead of multiple specialized brackets, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining optimized performance for each mounting scenario
3Ease of operation
If a universal mounting bracket is used for both two-mount and three-mount systems, then compatibility and installation simplicity improve, but the bracket design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates two distinct sets of mounting locations: a first set with two locations on opposite sides of the outlet for two-mount systems, and a second set with three locations in a triangular pattern around the outlet for three-mount systems. This universal design allows the same bracket to be installed on both two-mount and three-mount toilets by simply selecting the appropriate mounting locations, greatly simplifying installation and compatibility while the internal complexity is managed through thoughtful geometric arrangement of the mounting holes
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet that includes a tank having an outlet; a mounting bracket including a base having a central opening, a first set of mounts, which comprises two mounting locations located on opposite sides of the central opening for mounting the tank to a first pedestal having a bowl and two mounting holes, and a second set of mounts, which comprises three mounting locations that are separate from the two mounting locations of the first set of mounts, are located in a triangular pattern around the central opening, and mount the tank to a second pedestal having a bowl and three mounting holes; a valve body extending through the outlet and the central opening, wherein the valve body fluidly connects the outlet to an inlet of one of the bowls; and two or more fasteners with each fastener engaging one mounting hole and an associated mounting location.