Add-on bidet module for a toilet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bidet systems for toilets are often costly, space-intensive, and aesthetically unpleasing, with visible and cumbersome hoses that require users to adopt uncomfortable positions during sanitary washing, lacking a convenient and hygienic solution for hiding the bidet shower when not in use.

Innovation Solution

An add-on bidet module for toilets featuring a standing pedestal, a water inlet hose, an extendable nozzle with a faucet for controlling water flow, a platform for water collection, and a protective partition to prevent water spray from escaping, which can be stored in a compartment when not in use, allowing for height adjustment and aesthetic integration with the toilet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bidet shower is installed to provide thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the hose becomes visible and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidhose visibility and cumbersome nature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bidet shower components (nozzle, hose, platform) are stored within a compartment integrated into the toilet tank, creating a nested configuration where the cleaning system is contained within the toilet structure itself, eliminating visible hoses and clutter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bidet shower components are extracted from traditional floor-mounted or wall-mounted configurations and repositioned as an add-on module integrated into the toilet tank, separating the cleaning function from dominant bathroom fixtures while maintaining aesthetic integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a bidet shower is installed to provide thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but bathroom space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidbathroom space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bidet shower system is merged with the existing toilet structure by integrating the storage compartment into the toilet tank and positioning the platform on the toilet seat, combining two functions (toilet and bidet shower) into a single integrated unit that consumes minimal additional space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bidet components are nested within the toilet tank compartment and on the toilet seat structure, utilizing existing spatial volumes rather than occupying additional bathroom floor or wall space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a bidet shower is installed to provide thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the bidet shower cannot be hidden when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle, hose, and platform are stored within a compartment in the toilet tank when not in use, creating a clean aesthetic appearance. The components can be extended from the compartment when needed, maintaining both functionality and aesthetic appeal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If a bidet shower is installed to provide thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but user comfort is reduced due to uncomfortable positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed to rest on the toilet seat at the same level as the bowl, creating an equipotential surface that eliminates the need for users to contort their bodies to reach the nozzle. The water spray is directed from a convenient height that aligns with the user's natural sitting position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS11879244B2Add-on bidet module for a toilet
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 ETHIER DENIS
  • US11879244B2 patent drawing
  • US11879244B2 patent drawing
  • US11879244B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An add-on bidet module for a toilet includes an extendable hose and toilet seat that can be used in modifying an existing toilet or for a toilet having those accessories pre-installed for use as a bidet on a toilet. The accessories also include a compartment with door for storing toilet related products attached to the side of the toilet tank, and a toilet seat having at least one flap opening to allow for the passage of the nozzle. The aforementioned accessories which can include compartments with doors to hide the hose and nozzle as well as for storing toilet related products can form part of a manufactured toilet having those accessories included. A water heater is provided to delivery temperature controlled water to the user.