Movable Urine Catcher Extends Toward User to Direct Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urine often spills onto the floors and adjacent walls around urinals, creating a messy, slippery, and unhealthy environment due to the inability of existing urinals to effectively catch and direct urine into the bowl.
Innovation Solution
A user-actuated urine catcher system that can be mechanically or sensor-activated to extend and direct urine into the urinal bowl, using a combination of linkages and motors to move a catcher portion away from the bowl and towards the user, thereby minimizing splashing and spills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional urinal bowl is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but urine spills onto the floor and adjacent walls creating a messy environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the urine catcher movable rather than fixed. The catcher can dynamically adjust its position between retracted and extended states based on user proximity or activation, allowing it to adapt to different usage conditions and effectively intercept urine streams that would otherwise miss the bowl.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the urine collection function into two separate components: a fixed urinal bowl and a movable urine catcher. This segmentation allows the catcher to be independently positioned and controlled to optimize urine interception, while the bowl remains stationary for stability and ease of manufacture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable urine catcher is added to extend the rim, then urine interception is improved, but the device complexity increases with linkages and motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic activation mechanisms. The urine catcher can be activated automatically via proximity sensors that detect user approach, or via foot pedals that allow hands-free operation. This eliminates the need for manual operation and reduces the complexity of control mechanisms while maintaining effective urine interception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical control systems with simpler automated mechanisms. Instead of requiring users to manually manipulate levers or switches, the system uses proximity sensors and foot pedals to automatically activate the urine catcher, reducing mechanical complexity and improving ease of use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the urine catcher extends towards the user, then urine is better directed into the bowl, but the actuation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuation function from the urine catcher itself and implements it through separate, simpler mechanisms. The catcher's movement is controlled by external activation systems such as foot pedals or proximity sensors, allowing the catcher structure to remain relatively simple while achieving effective urine direction through controlled extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A urine catcher as described helps to prevent urine accumulating near the ground of a urinal by providing a urine catcher that moves into place when a person approaches the urinal. In one embodiment, the system is mechanically actuated and moves the urine catcher through a linkage. In another embodiment, the system includes a proximity or motion sensor coupled to a motor which moves the urine catcher. The urine catcher may be provided as a kit for installing adjacent to a urinal.