Angled Vehicle Toilet Module Reducing Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilet modules in vehicles, such as aircraft, occupy excessive space due to their fixed dimensions, limiting the number of passenger seats and compromising comfort, as they cannot be easily integrated into compact configurations without compromising functionality or comfort.
Innovation Solution
A toilet module with a toilet unit oriented at an angle to one of the functional walls, featuring a protrusion that extends from the floor to accommodate knees and feet, allowing for a reduced width while maintaining overall depth, enabling the module to be placed between other modules or rows of seats, and incorporating storage compartments and a washstand for efficient space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional toilet modules are used with fixed dimensions, then the toilet functionality is maintained, but the width occupies excessive space limiting passenger seats
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet unit is oriented at an angle (15-45 degrees) relative to the second functional wall rather than parallel to it, creating an asymmetric configuration. This angular orientation allows the protrusion to effectively utilize the corner space between the first and second functional walls, reducing the overall width of the toilet module while maintaining adequate space for user operation and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion extends from the second functional wall into the space between the functional walls, utilizing the depth dimension to accommodate the user's knees and feet. This dimensional approach allows the toilet module width to be reduced while maintaining the necessary operational space through strategic use of the depth parameter
2Area of stationary object
If the toilet module width is reduced to optimize cabin space, then more passenger seats can be accommodated, but the space for user comfort and amenities may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet module is divided into distinct functional zones: the toilet unit area, the protrusion area for leg accommodation, and the corner space for amenities. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the protrusion provides necessary user space while the corner region accommodates washstands or storage, maintaining versatility within the reduced width
Solution Approach 2:
The angular orientation and protrusion design create a multi-functional corner space that can accommodate various amenities such as washstands, storage compartments, or hand dryers. This universal design approach ensures that even in the reduced width configuration, the toilet module can provide multiple functions and adapt to different amenity requirements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A toilet module (1) for a vehicle comprises a housing (2) having a front wall (4), a first functional wall (28) and at least one second functional wall (12, 24), which enclose a floor surface on the underside of the housing (2), and a toilet unit (30). The front wall (4) comprises an access opening (6). The first functional wall (28) is arranged opposite the front wall (4) and accommodates the toilet unit (30). The at least one second functional wall (12, 24) extends between the first functional wall (28) and the front wall (4) and is perpendicular to the front wall (4). The toilet unit (30) has a longitudinal extension axis (32) which forms an angle (a) which is greater than 0° with the at least one second functional wall (12, 24). In this way, a particularly narrow and compact toilet module can be provided.