Cushioned Toilet Seat Assembly With Zonal Support and Snap-Fit Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet seats lack optimal comfort and structural integrity, particularly for sensitive individuals, and often require heavy, expensive materials that can lead to noise and damage when dropped, while also failing to provide customized support for different body areas.
Innovation Solution
A toilet seat design featuring a removably snap-fitted combination of a rigid polypropylene base and a cushion made from a single molded synthetic material, such as ethyl vinyl acetate or polypropylene, with customizable zonal regions of varying durometer for enhanced comfort and structural integrity, allowing for easy customization and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single cushioning material is used to provide a mattress-like feel, then comfort is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates and the seat deforms after prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a cushioning material layer with a structurally integrity material layer. The cushioning material (such as vinyl, foam, or rubber) provides comfort and give, while the structurally integrity material (such as molded plastic, metal, or wood) provides structural support. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If multiple materials are used to provide both cushioning and structural integrity, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat into distinct functional layers: a cushioning material layer and a structurally integrity material layer. These layers can be manufactured separately using optimized processes for each material type, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured independently with appropriate techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining both comfort and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a cushioning material layer with a structurally integrity material layer. The cushioning material (such as vinyl, foam, or rubber) provides comfort and give, while the structurally integrity material (such as molded plastic, metal, or wood) provides structural support. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
3Strength
If heavy materials are used to form the seat, then structural integrity is improved, but noise increases when the seat drops and risk of damaging the toilet base increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a cushioning material layer with a structurally integrity material layer. The cushioning material (such as vinyl, foam, or rubber) provides comfort and give, while the structurally integrity material (such as molded plastic, metal, or wood) provides structural support. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
4Shape
If a decorative exterior material is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but suitability for water environment deteriorates due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat into distinct functional layers: a cushioning material layer and a structurally integrity material layer. These layers can be manufactured separately using optimized processes for each material type, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured independently with appropriate techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining both comfort and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a cushioning material layer with a structurally integrity material layer. The cushioning material (such as vinyl, foam, or rubber) provides comfort and give, while the structurally integrity material (such as molded plastic, metal, or wood) provides structural support. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat for a plumbing fixture includes a substantially rigid base and a cushion. The base includes an upper surface and an underside. The cushion is coupled to the base and includes a radial inward edge and a radial outward edge. At least one of the inward and outward radial edges includes a flange extending toward the other of the inward and outward radial edges, and a portion of the base is positioned above the flange to secure the cushion to the base. A lowermost portion of the at least one of the inward and outward radial edges of the cushion is flush with the underside of the base.