Portable Restroom Sensor System for Usage-Based Service Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable restrooms face challenges such as inconsistent servicing frequency, unsanitary conditions, odor, heat issues, and visibility of waste due to the 'straight drop' design, leading to discomfort and hygiene concerns for users.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electrical power, wireless communication, automatic flushing, touchless flushing, automatic lighting, and enhanced ventilation systems, along with sensors and data gathering capabilities, to notify service providers of maintenance needs and improve user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight drop tank design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user can see waste and odors are visible and travel directly to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank into two separate compartments: a visible bowl area for user comfort and a hidden waste storage area. The bowl is segmented from the main tank body, allowing waste to be stored separately while maintaining a clean appearance in the user-facing portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the waste storage function from the visible bowl area and places it in a separate hidden compartment. The bowl is removed from direct connection to the waste tank, eliminating the direct path for odors and visual contact with waste while maintaining the simple tank structure.
2Device complexity
If conventional servicing schedules are used, then the rental contract is simple to manage, but some restrooms get dirty or full sooner than others leading to unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor waste levels, water levels, and usage patterns in each restroom. This feedback is transmitted to a central management system, which automatically adjusts servicing schedules based on actual conditions rather than fixed intervals, ensuring restrooms are serviced when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed servicing schedule into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions. The service intervals are adjusted in real-time based on sensor data, usage frequency, and environmental factors, allowing the system to respond to actual restroom needs rather than following a rigid schedule.
3Device complexity
If manual flushing is used, then the system is simple, but the user must touch surfaces creating hygiene concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual flush lever with a sensor-based automatic flush system. Motion sensors or touchless sensors detect when the user needs to flush, triggering the flushing mechanism without requiring physical contact with any surfaces, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the flushing system to serve itself by automatically detecting when flushing is needed and executing the flush without user intervention. The system monitors its own state and performs maintenance functions autonomously, reducing the need for user interaction with potentially contaminated surfaces.
4Device complexity
If no automatic monitoring is implemented, then the restroom system is simple, but the service provider cannot optimize servicing frequency based on actual usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a comprehensive data gathering system with sensors that continuously monitor waste levels, water levels, usage frequency, and environmental conditions. This feedback is transmitted to the service provider, enabling them to optimize servicing schedules based on actual usage patterns rather than estimates, improving service efficiency and resource allocation.
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
This solution prevents dirty restrooms, enhances user comfort, promotes hygiene, and allows for optimized servicing schedules based on usage data, reducing odor and temperature issues while maintaining a cleaner environment.
Implementation Method 1
a touchless flush request sensor
Implementation Method 2
An automatic light provides welcome lighting in darker locations
Implementation Method 3
An electric fan increases ventilation and reduces odor and temperature in the restroom
Implementation Method 4
A spray nozzle for directing water over the interior of the bowl is provided to minimize the chance that waste sticks to the inner bowl
Implementation Method 5
Sensors monitor various levels and usage
Data Source
AI summary
A portable restroom includes an enclosed interior including a door, a waste tank, a commode disposed within the enclosed interior and coupled to the waste tank, a power source, a microprocessor coupled to the power source, a door sensor positioned to sense whether the door is open or closed, and a door lock sensor positioned to sense whether the door is locked or unlocked. Sensors can be provided to sense the closed status of the door and the status of the door lock. Additional sensors can monitor various levels and usage of consumables. The microprocessor monitors the sensed data and wirelessly alerts a service provider when the restroom needs service. A payment receiving means can be provided to the portable restroom and coupled to the microprocessor so that a user can provide payment for access to the portable restroom.