Bathroom Privacy Sound System with Custom Brown Noise Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise-cancelling devices for bathrooms are not optimized to effectively mask the range of noises associated with toilet, bidet, or urinal use, relying on user-selected sounds that do not provide the best masking effect.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor-driven sound system housed in a wall-mounted unit that generates custom brown noise, specifically designed to mask frequencies associated with bathroom use, including a variable timer and adjustable volume, and can be activated by a user switch, with speakers emitting sound through openings in the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user-selected sound types and volumes are used, then user preference is satisfied, but noise masking effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and plays the optimal masking sound without requiring user selection. The processor analyzes bathroom noise characteristics and autonomously selects appropriate sound types and volumes, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sound parameters (type, volume, frequency) based on detected bathroom noise characteristics. By changing these parameters automatically rather than relying on fixed user selections, the system optimizes masking effectiveness for different bathroom scenarios.
2Device complexity
If generic noise masking sounds are used, then device complexity is reduced, but masking precision for bathroom-specific noises is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different sound masking strategies tailored to specific frequency ranges and noise sources within the bathroom. Instead of using a single generic sound, the processor selects and adjusts sounds to target specific frequency bands where bathroom noises occur, creating locally optimized masking for different acoustic zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound masking system dynamically adapts to changing bathroom noise conditions in real-time. The processor continuously monitors noise levels and characteristics, adjusting the masking sound parameters dynamically rather than using static generic sounds, thereby maintaining high masking precision throughout bathroom usage.
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 device effectively masks bathroom noises by producing sound frequencies that match the intensity and frequency range of toilet use, reducing unwanted noise without excess sound production, providing targeted noise masking and improved privacy.
Implementation Method 1
a processor, the processor having a memory that has stored therein a set of instructions executable by the processor to generate a sound structured to mask frequencies of noise associated with use of the toilet
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device that produces artificial sounds at frequencies that have been specifically designed to mask the frequency of noises that emanate from use of a toilet, bidet, or urinal, the system and device including a processor mounted in a housing and controllable via a switch on the exterior of the housing, and may include a variable timer and a ventilation fan, the processor having executable instructions for generating sound or sounds emitted within the range of human hearing and at selected frequencies to mask selected sounds that emanate from use of a toilet, bidet, or urinal.