Multi-material Macerator Toilet Assembly with Trap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toilet systems for recreational vehicles and mobile structures require separate designs for gravity-discharge and remote waste tank configurations, leading to increased costs and weight due to the use of solid ceramic or china materials, and fail to effectively prevent odor backflow from waste tanks.
Innovation Solution
A macerator toilet assembly with a multi-material design combining a ceramic or china bowl with a plastic base, featuring an integrally formed elbow and trap assembly to connect to either a gravity-discharge or remote waste tank, equipped with a macerator pump and anti-siphon valve to prevent gas backflow and reduce weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complete china bowl and base assembly is used, then the toilet structure is strong and durable, but the cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet is divided into separate components: a china or ceramic bowl and base made of lightweight material (plastic, composite, or aluminum). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the bowl maintains its traditional durable material while the base uses lighter materials to reduce overall weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is constructed from lightweight materials such as plastic, composite materials, or aluminum instead of traditional china. This use of alternative materials achieves the required structural strength while significantly reducing weight and manufacturing cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate toilet lines are manufactured for gravity-drop and remote systems, then each configuration is optimized, but manufacturing complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet assembly is designed with universal adaptability to function in both gravity-drop and remote waste tank configurations. The base is equipped with features that allow it to be mounted directly over a waste tank or remotely, eliminating the need for manufacturers to produce separate toilet lines for different configurations.
3Device complexity
If a gravity-discharge toilet without trap assembly is used, then the structure is simpler, but odorous gases can backflow through the toilet
Solution Approach 1:
A trap assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the toilet bowl and the waste tank connection. This trap assembly contains water that creates a seal to block odorous gases from backflowing through the toilet, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
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 solution allows for a cost-effective, lightweight toilet system that can function in either configuration while effectively inhibiting the backflow of odorous gases, enhancing user convenience and fuel efficiency in mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
A macerator may be disposed on the toilet and allows for grinding and pumping of waste materials
Implementation Method 2
A macerator pump may be disposed on the toilet, downstream of a bowl outlet end
Implementation Method 3
A trap assembly is provided additionally so that water remains in the toilet and precludes the passage of odorous gases from the gravity-discharge waste tank upwardly through the toilet
Implementation Method 4
A macerator toilet assembly comprises a multi-material toilet having a base formed of a first material, a bowl formed of a second material... A trap assembly may be disposed downstream of the macerator pump
Data Source
AI summary
A macerator toilet assembly (10) is provided with a multi-material toilet (10) having a base (14) formed of a first material, a bowl (16) formed of a second material, said multi material toilet (10) being connectable to one of a waste tank directly below or to a remote waste tank indirectly; a macerator pump (34) disposed on said toilet (10), downstream of a howl outlet end; and, a trap assembly (40) disposed downstream of the macerator pump (34).