Modular Bathroom Fixture with Sensor-Based Supply and Waste Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public bathroom toilet cubicles lack a compact and user-friendly design that allows easy access to dispensers and trash bins without turning, and traditional systems fail to monitor supplies and trash efficiently, leading to hygiene issues and health risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular bathroom device with a base and removably connected modules for dispensers and trash bins, equipped with sensors to monitor supplies and trash, and a system to notify maintenance when conditions are met, allowing customizable installation without wall damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional dispensers and trash bins are disposed on different locations of the toilet cubicle, then the coverage area is increased, but the users have to turn their bodies to reach them which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional modules (toilet paper dispenser, menstrual product dispenser, trash bin) into a single integrated modular device that can be mounted on the wall. This merging allows all functions to be accessed from one location, eliminating the need for users to turn their bodies while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular device serves multiple functions simultaneously - dispensing toilet paper, dispensing menstrual products, and providing trash disposal - all within a single unit. This multi-functionality ensures comprehensive coverage of user needs while maintaining ease of access from one standardized location.
2Device complexity
If traditional dispensers and trash bins are installed on walls, then the device structure is simplified, but the managing person cannot customize the combination according to user needs which reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate, interchangeable modules (toilet paper dispenser module, menstrual product dispenser module, trash bin module) that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation maintains simple installation procedures while enabling customization of the functional combination based on specific user needs and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the configuration of the device to be dynamically adjusted - different modules can be selected, added, or removed based on changing user requirements. The standardized mounting interface enables easy reconfiguration without complex installation procedures, providing both simplicity and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If hand sanitizer dispensers are installed separately on walls, then the hand cleaning function is provided, but the walls may be damaged when dispensers are removed which reduces ease of repair
Solution Approach 1:
The hand sanitizer dispenser is integrated as one of the modular components within the same wall-mounted unit that houses the toilet paper dispenser, menstrual product dispenser, and trash bin. This merging means all components share a common mounting structure, and when the entire unit is removed, no individual wall damage occurs from multiple separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated modular device provides multiple functions (toilet paper dispensing, menstrual product dispensing, trash disposal, and hand sanitizing) in a single unit with a unified mounting system. This eliminates the need for multiple separate wall installations, reducing cumulative wall damage and simplifying removal and replacement procedures.
4Device complexity
If cleaners check dispensers and trash bins periodically, then the system is simple to operate, but the users cannot request help without leaving the toilet cubicle when supplies are low which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the modular device to automatically detect when toilet paper, menstrual products, or trash bin capacity reaches threshold levels. The system provides feedback by sending notifications to a remote monitoring system or mobile device, enabling users to request refilling or cleaning services without leaving the toilet cubicle. This maintains operational simplicity while adding user-initiated monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to independently monitor supply levels and initiate service requests through automated sensing and notification mechanisms. The sensors automatically detect when intervention is needed and allow users to request assistance without requiring manual inspection by cleaners or complex user actions, providing self-service monitoring while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bathroom modular device includes a base, including a lower surface, configured to be connected to a bathroom fixture and includes a module assembly having a plurality of modules, at least one module configured to be removably connected to the lower surface of the base. A managing system includes a bathroom modular device and a server communicably connected to the modular device. The bathroom modular device includes a base configured to be connected to a bathroom fixture and comprising a lower surface. The bathroom modular device also includes a module assembly comprising a plurality of modules, at least one module configured to be removably connected to a lower surface of the base. A bathroom managing method includes receiving a detection result obtained by a sensor; determining whether the received detection result satisfies at least one condition defined by a predetermined value; and generating a notification to perform corresponding maintenance work.