Adjustable toilet seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard toilet seats are rigid and non-adjustable, leading to discomfort for users of varying sizes, particularly plus-size individuals who may experience constriction and unease due to the fixed size.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable toilet seat that expands in width in response to user weight, utilizing a self-closing hinged mechanism with concentric barrel hinges and a seat connector system, allowing the seat to change configuration from closed to open and back when weight is applied or removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard rigid toilet seat is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to users of varying sizes, causing discomfort for plus-size users
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet seat transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The left and right seat portions can rotate independently about the front rotational point, allowing the seat width to change from a closed configuration to an opened configuration in response to applied forces from users of different sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The toilet seat is divided into separate left and right seat portions that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to rotate about the front rotational point, enabling the overall seat width to adjust while maintaining structural integrity through the connection at the rear rotational point.
2Ease of operation
If the toilet seat is made adjustable in width, then comfort for plus-size users is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet seat automatically adjusts its width based on the force applied by the user. When a user sits on the seat, their weight creates forces that cause the left and right seat portions to rotate outward about the front rotational point, widening the seat. When the user stands up, spring elements provide a closing force that returns the seat to its closed configuration, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat width parameter changes in response to applied force. The mechanical linkage and spring elements translate the vertical force of the user's weight into horizontal movement of the seat portions, automatically adjusting the seat width to match the user's size without requiring manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If the toilet seat expands automatically with applied weight, then manual adjustment is eliminated, but the self-closing mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Spring elements are used to provide a closing force that counteracts the opening force generated by the user's weight. When the user sits down, their weight overcomes the spring force to open the seat. When the user stands up, the spring force becomes dominant and closes the seat back to its original position, creating an automatic self-closing mechanism.
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
Provides comfortable seating for users of all sizes without manual adjustment, ensuring secure attachment to the toilet bowl and automatic return to the closed configuration when weight is withdrawn, enhancing user experience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the toilet seat collapse back into the original closed configuration due to the self-closing hinged mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable toilet seat that adjust according to the applied weight of the user includes a left seat body, a right seat body, a first self-closing barrel hinge, a second self-closing barrel hinge, and a seat connector. The first self-closing barrel hinge is terminally integrated into the left seat body. The second self-closing barrel hinge is terminally integrated into the right seat body. The left seat body and the right seat body are rotatably engaged with each other through the first and second self-closing barrel hinge so that the left seat body and the right seat body can expand and collapse about the two barrel hinges. The seat connector is oppositely positioned of the first and second self-closing barrel hinge. The left seat body and the right seat body are slidably mounted to the seat connector so that both seat bodies can slidably expand and collapse along the seat connector.