Retractable Urinal Funnel With Sensor-Driven Odor Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urinals often lack versatility, efficiency in flushing and cleaning, and odor management, and are not easily adaptable to different bathroom designs or user needs, such as varying heights and genders.
Innovation Solution
A retractable urinal system with a pivotally engaged funnel that can be concealed when not in use, integrated with a drain and rinse system, and equipped with sensors and actuators for automatic operation, allowing for adjustable height, position, and network connectivity for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed urinal is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs and bathroom designs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The urinal incorporates a movable funnel that can be adjusted between different positions and orientations. The funnel is pivotally mounted to allow it to be positioned at various angles and heights, accommodating different user needs and bathroom configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability transforms a static, non-adaptable structure into a versatile system that can adapt to multiple scenarios without requiring multiple different urinal units.
Solution Approach 2:
The urinal system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can accommodate both male and female users through adjustable funnel positioning, integrate with different flush systems (toilet tank or separate flush valve), and adapt to various bathroom layouts. The single device structure incorporates universal mounting options and adjustable components that enable it to function effectively across diverse application scenarios, eliminating the need for separate urinal designs for different user groups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable funnel with pivot engagement is used, then the adaptability and concealability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is pivotally mounted within the housing, allowing it to be concealed within the housing when not in use and deployed to an accessible position when needed. This pivotal movement mechanism enables the funnel to transition between a concealed state (reducing visual impact and maintaining clean aesthetics) and an accessible state (allowing user interaction), providing concealability without requiring complex retractable mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If an automatic sensor and actuator system is integrated, then the ease of operation and hygiene are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The urinal incorporates sensors that automatically detect user presence and trigger the appropriate operations. The system self-activates the funnel deployment, flushing mechanism, and cleaning functions based on sensor input, eliminating the need for manual operation. This self-service capability enhances ease of operation and maintains hygiene by reducing direct contact with the urinal components while the control system manages all operations autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates sensors that detect user presence and system state, providing feedback to the controller which then adjusts the funnel position, activates flushing, or initiates cleaning cycles. This feedback mechanism enables automatic operation where the system responds to environmental conditions and user needs without manual intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining manageable control system complexity through sensor-based decision making.
4Productivity
If a rinse system with multiple nozzles is used, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rinse system incorporates multiple nozzles positioned to spray water across different surfaces of the funnel and housing. The system operates continuously during the rinse cycle, maintaining water flow across all surfaces to ensure thorough cleaning. This continuous multi-point rinsing approach maximizes cleaning efficiency by addressing all contaminated surfaces simultaneously rather than requiring multiple separate cleaning passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinse system serves multiple cleaning functions through its multiple nozzles: it cleans the funnel interior, exterior surfaces, and housing components in a single operational cycle. The same water supply and control system manages both the flushing function and the cleaning function, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and reducing overall water consumption compared to having dedicated systems for each function.
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 provides efficient urine collection and flushing, reduces odor, and accommodates various user needs and bathroom configurations, enhancing hygiene and user experience while allowing for remote monitoring and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot arm connected beneath the truncated cone
Implementation Method 2
a pivot arm connected beneath the truncated cone, and a base
Implementation Method 3
a drain for conveying waste liquid from the funnel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices relating to urinal, in some examples having a movable portion able to pivot from a generally closed to a generally open position. The urinal may have a drain line engaged with a proximal end of the funnel for conveying urine and rinse water into a sewer line or a toilet bowl and a rinse line coupled with a water supply for rinsing urine therein. The urinal may be movable with the assistance of one or more sensors that may automatically signal other electrical or mechanical components to move one or more portions of the urinal, and may be include elements that seal portions of the urinal when not in use or during cleaning to reduce gas or liquid escaping from the urinal system.