A modular raised toilet seat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for raising toilet seats to accommodate users with mobility issues are either insecure, difficult to install, or expensive, often requiring complex height adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A modular raised toilet seat kit that includes a toilet seat and adjustable seat spacers of fixed height, allowing users to customize the height of the toilet seat without the need for expensive adjustment mechanisms, using a simple and secure engagement system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a raised toilet seat with locks or adjustment knobs is used to secure the seat to the toilet bowl, then the security of the raised toilet seat is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of raised toilet seatVSAvoidcomplexity of installation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The raised toilet seat system is divided into separate modular components: the toilet seat, the spacer, and the engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the engagement mechanism can provide secure attachment without requiring complex locks or knobs, as each module performs a specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism is designed to be self-securing through complementary profiles that automatically engage and lock together when the spacer is positioned between the toilet bowl and seat. This eliminates the need for user-operated locks or adjustment knobs, making the system both secure and easy to install.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If height adjustment mechanisms such as clamps are incorporated into the raised toilet seat, then the adaptability to different user needs is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic height adjustability through the use of multiple spacers with different thicknesses. Users can select and combine different spacer configurations to achieve the desired height, allowing the system to adapt to various user needs without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Height adjustment is achieved by changing the parameter of spacer thickness rather than through mechanical adjustment. By offering spacers in different thicknesses (e.g., 5mm, 10mm, 15mm), the system enables height customization through simple parameter selection rather than complex mechanism operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spacers of different thicknesses are provided to achieve height customization, then the adaptability to different user needs is improved, but the quantity of components and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight customization optionsVSAvoidnumber of spacer components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each spacer is designed with universal engagement features that allow it to work with any toilet bowl and seat configuration. The spacers can be used individually or in combination, and the same spacer design can serve multiple height requirements when used in different quantities, reducing the need for completely different component designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple spacers can be stacked or nested together to achieve cumulative height adjustment. Instead of requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each height level, the system allows users to combine multiple identical or varying thickness spacers to reach the desired total height, reducing component variety while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4529821A1A modular raised toilet seat
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 THE HELPING HAND LEDBURY
  • EP4529821A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4529821A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4529821A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A kit 10 for assembly of a modular raised toilet seat for a toilet, the kit comprising, a toilet seat 100 having a lower seat profile; and a first seat spacer for increasing the height of the raised toilet seat, the first seat spacer 200 having a lower spacer profile (204, Figure 4b) and an upper spacer profile (202, Figure 4a); in which the lower seat profile (104, Figure 3b) is configured to engage each of the toilet and the upper spacer profile; and in which the lower spacer profile is configured to engage each of the toilet and a second seat spacer and the upper spacer profile is configured to engage the second seat spacer.