Motion Sensor Toilet Tank Air Filter with Segmented Charcoal and Scent Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet odor control devices lack a battery-operated motion sensor controlled solution that effectively ventilates, filters, and scents the air around a toilet tank, failing to provide automatic and efficient air purification upon detection of motion.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated motion sensor controlled toilet tank air filter system comprising a pair of exhaust housing bodies with convex louvered air inlet ports, motorized fans, activated charcoal and scented air filters, and a rechargeable battery, activated by a centrally disposed motion sensor to direct airflow through the filters and exhaust ports, providing clean and scented air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motion sensor control is added to toilet odor control devices, then automatic activation upon motion detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: motion sensor module, transmitter module, receiver module, motor module, and filter modules. Each module operates independently but communicates through standardized interfaces, making the complex automated system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while achieving automatic activation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication intermediary (transmitter and receiver system) is introduced between the motion sensor and the motor control system. The motion sensor triggers a transmitter that sends signals to a receiver, which then activates the motor. This intermediary layer enables automatic activation while simplifying the direct control circuitry and allowing for easier troubleshooting and replacement of individual components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dual filter system (activated charcoal and scented filter) is implemented, then air purification and scenting effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into two distinct removable filter cartridges: an activated charcoal filter for odor absorption and a scented filter for fragrance provision. Each filter is housed in its own compartment with individual access, allowing users to replace or maintain each filter type independently. This segmentation achieves superior odor removal effectiveness while simplifying maintenance and reducing overall system complexity compared to a integrated multi-layer filter
Solution Approach 2:
Activated charcoal material with its characteristic porous structure is utilized in one of the filter cartridges. The porous nature of the activated charcoal provides extensive surface area for adsorbing odor-causing molecules from the bathroom air, significantly improving odor removal effectiveness without requiring complex chemical or mechanical processing systems
3Object-affected harmful factors
If convex louvered air inlet ports are used, then moisture entry prevention is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet ports incorporate convex curved louvers instead of flat or angular designs. The convex curvature naturally directs moisture droplets away from the air intake opening through surface tension and gravitational forces, preventing moisture entry into the housing. This curved geometry achieves effective moisture protection while being amenable to standard molding processes, avoiding the need for high-precision machining or assembly
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 system automatically purifies and scents the bathroom air by activating airflow through filters upon motion detection, effectively reducing odors and improving air quality without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The activated charcoal filter is provided to adsorb unwanted odorous substances
Implementation Method 2
A motion sensor is centrally disposed on the forward side of a crossmember of the attachment bracket
Implementation Method 3
a motor disposed within each housing body to operate a respective fan, which directs airflow drawn in through a respective louvered air inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-operated motion sensor controlled toilet tank air filter including a pair of exhaust housing bodies and an attachment bracket to hang the exhaust housing bodies from the upper sides of a toilet tank and to house a centrally disposed motion sensor, which upon detection of motion, activates a single transmitter operationally communicating therewith. The transmitter then activates a motor disposed within each housing body to operate a respective fan, which directs airflow drawn in through a respective louvered air inlet port through a pair of compartments containing an activated charcoal air filter and a scented air filter therein, and subsequently out through an air exhaust port to provide clean and scented air in the bathroom.