Floating Reactive Target for Urine Stream Accuracy Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for toilet training, particularly for young boys, lack sufficient visual stimulation to maintain attention and improve the accuracy of urine stream direction, leading to unsatisfactory results in aiming during urination.

Innovation Solution

A floating target device that reacts with the urine stream to produce visual and aural effects, using a chemically reactive substance enclosed by a thin barrier layer, which decomposes or separates upon contact, creating crackling, smoke, and color or sound effects to focus the user's attention and enhance aim accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a stationary target is used to direct the urine stream, then the device structure is simple, but the visual stimulation is insufficient to maintain user attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual stimulationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color-changing materials and visual effects in the floating target device to provide dynamic visual stimulation that captures and maintains user attention during urination, directly addressing the insufficiency of static visual appeal in prior art

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static target into a dynamic floating device that moves and reacts to urine stream contact, incorporating dynamic visual and aural effects that engage the user's attention throughout the urination event

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a floating device with chemical reaction is used, then the visual and aural effects are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser focus maintenanceVSAvoidchemical and mechanical transformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floating device utilizes the urine stream itself as the activating mechanism, where the urine's chemical properties trigger the visual and aural effects without requiring external power sources or complex control systems, allowing the user's own action to drive the device's functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with chemical reactions that occur naturally when urine contacts the floating device, using chemistry rather than mechanics to generate the desired visual and aural effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If existing decals and splash guards are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the attention-capturing capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattention captureVSAvoiddevice construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a barrier layer as an intermediary component that separates the reactive substance from direct contact with urine until needed, allowing for easier manufacturing while still achieving the attention-capturing chemical reactions when the barrier is breached by the urine stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 maintains user focus and improves urine stream accuracy by providing engaging visual and auditory feedback, reducing splashing and misdirection, and can be adapted for various applications including PTSD, disabilities, and rehabilitation.

Implementation Method 1

the device may be made from materials which react with the urine stream to created visual and/or aural effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

which chemically reacts with the urine stream to produce visual and/or aural effects... the complexity of the device's configuration, the volatility of the chemical reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS11626032B2Methods and devices for increasing urine stream accuracy

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 KRIS KESLER

AI summary

A floating device acting as a target for enhancing the accuracy of a urine stream. When placed inside a toilet bowl, the target provides visual stimulation and cognitive reinforcement in response to contact with urine. The target may comprise a hull with a cavity. A reactive substance may be placed in the cavity of the hull. The reactive substance may provide a visual stimulation or cognitive reinforcement when contacted by the urine stream. A top portion may be fit against the hull to retain the reactive substance in the cavity of the hull. A barrier layer may cover at least a portion of the hull and/or the top portion. The barrier layer may be semi-permeable or selectively permeable to water when contacted by a urine stream from a user.