Curved Rack Guide for Compact Sanitary Washing Nozzle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary washing devices that advance and retract with respect to a toilet are often too tall, making them undesirable for space-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
The sanitary washing device incorporates a rack guide with first and second curved portions in different directions, a flexible rack, and a gear mechanism to minimize the device's height by allowing the nozzle to be stored along a curved path, with the nozzle unit being supported by a slidable supporter and curved nozzle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the nozzle unit is advanced and retracted using a conventional linear rack guide, then the washing function is achieved, but the device height becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The rack guide is designed with curved portions instead of a linear path. The first curved portion allows the rack to bend upwardly convex, and the second curved portion allows the rack to bend upward again as it extends backward. This curvature enables the rack and nozzle unit to follow a compact arc-shaped trajectory, significantly reducing the vertical space required while maintaining the washing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack guide transitions the motion path from a purely linear horizontal movement to a three-dimensional curved path that utilizes vertical space more efficiently. By incorporating upwardly convex curved portions, the design allows the rack to move through a complex spatial trajectory that reduces the overall device height while preserving the nozzle's ability to reach the toilet for washing.
2Length of stationary object
If the rack guide is curved to reduce height, then the device height is reduced, but the rack may experience increased stress or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The curved portions of the rack guide are specifically designed to match the flexibility of the rack material. The first curved portion with upward convex curvature and the second curved portion with upward bending are configured to distribute mechanical stress evenly along the rack's length, preventing misalignment between the rack teeth and gear while maintaining reliable engagement throughout the curved motion path.
3Length of stationary object
If the nozzle is stored in a lower position to reduce height, then the device height is reduced, but liquid waste may penetrate to the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The curved rack guide creates a compact storage position for the nozzle at the lower end of the curved path. The upwardly convex curvature of the first curved portion and the upward bending of the second curved portion position the nozzle in a compact arc-shaped trajectory, reducing device height while the curved path design naturally directs liquid waste away from the stored nozzle position.
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary washing device includes a casing, a nozzle unit configured to advance and retreat between the casing and a toilet, a flexible rack connected to the nozzle unit, a gear configured to engage the rack, a drive motor configured to advance and retract the nozzle unit by moving the rack via the gear, and a rack guide configured to guide the rack. The rack guide includes a first curved portion curved to be upwardly convex, and a second curved portion positioned further back than the first curved portion. The second curved portion includes a portion bent upward as the second curved portion extends backward.