Folding toilet step stool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Children using adult-sized toilets face discomfort due to the height and safety issues with the large seat, as their feet dangle on the floor and they risk getting stuck.
Innovation Solution
A folding toilet step stool with a seat cushion ring and an elevated ladder, featuring obliquely disposed support rods, a pedal, and anti-slip protrusions, allowing children to sit comfortably with their feet on the pedal and foldable design for space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If children use adult-sized toilets, then they can use the toilet independently, but their feet dangle on the floor causing discomfort and their bums may fall in or get stuck in the seat creating safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (toilet step stool with seat cushion ring) between the child and the adult toilet. The step stool elevates the child to the appropriate height, while the cushion ring provides a safe, limited-size seating surface that prevents the child from falling into or getting stuck in the adult toilet seat, thus resolving both the independence and safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the toilet-use function into two separate components: the step stool for elevation and the cushion ring for safe seating. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems independently while working together to provide a complete solution
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed toilet step stool is used, then children have stable support, but it occupies excessive space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support rods foldable rather than fixed. The support rods can be extended to provide stable support during use, then folded back against the bottom plate when not in use, transforming the device from a static space-consuming object to a dynamic one that adapts its configuration based on usage needs
Solution Approach 2:
The support rods are designed to nest against the bottom plate when folded, with the left and right support rods fitting into receiving grooves on the bottom plate. This nesting arrangement minimizes the device's footprint when not in use while maintaining full functionality during use
3Strength
If the support rods are made rigid for stability, then the structure is strong, but it cannot be folded for space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support rods incorporate hinges at key joints (bottom plate connection and pedal connection) that allow the structure to transition between rigid and flexible states. When assembled for use, the hinges lock into position providing rigid, strong support. When folded for storage, the hinges enable the rods to bend and nest against the bottom plate, thus achieving both strength and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A folding toilet step stool includes a seat cushion ring and an elevated ladder. The elevated ladder includes a left support rod, a right support rod, a bottom plate and a pedal. The front portion of the seat cushion ring is hinged to the upper portion of the left support rod and the upper portion of the right support rod. The bottom of the left support rod and the bottom of the right support rod are hinged to the bottom plate. The pedal is hinged between the middle of the left support rod and the middle of the right support rod. The left support rod and the right rod are disposed obliquely. The bottom plate is placed on the floor and the seat cushion ring is placed on the toilet, so that children can sit on the seat cushion ring with their feet on the pedal for urination or defecation.