Spill-Proof Urinal With Tapered Insert For Truck Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable urine containers for truck drivers on long trips often require significant downtime for use and fail to prevent spillage during transit, as they typically require manual handling and unscrewing of the funnel-shaped opening for emptying.
Innovation Solution
A spill-proof container with a tapered insert and flared side opening allows urine collection and storage, enabling spill-free pouring without touching the top, using a handle for convenient tilting and resealing, and optionally includes a deodorizer for odor management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a funnel-shaped opening with valve is used for urine collection, then urine can be collected and stored, but the user must manually handle and unscrew the funnel device for emptying, causing loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a removable insert portion and a base portion. The insert can be easily separated from the base for rapid emptying without unscrewing threads or complex operations. This segmentation allows the user to quickly discard or empty the insert while retaining the base, significantly reducing emptying time while maintaining spillage prevention through the retained base and lid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert containing the urine collection function is extracted as a separate, removable component from the base. This allows the insert to be quickly removed and emptied or discarded without handling the entire container or performing complex unscrewing operations, thereby reducing the time loss associated with emptying while the base remains as a reusable spill-proof vessel.
2Reliability
If a handle with internal valve is used, then urine can be sealed in the container, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates an integrated valve mechanism that automatically seals when the lid is closed and opened a simple latch or snap-fit action. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex manual valve operations while maintaining reliable sealing capability. The user simply closes the lid and the sealing function is activated automatically, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing valve function is merged into the lid structure itself rather than being a separate component. This integration simplifies the overall device by combining the closure and sealing functions into a single element, reducing the number of parts and operational steps required while maintaining reliable urine containment.
3Productivity
If the top of the container is touched during emptying, then urine can be emptied, but contamination risk increases and ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a removable insert and a reusable base. The insert, which contacts the urine, can be easily separated and emptied without touching the top opening of the base container. This segmentation allows users to empty the insert by tilting or discarding it while keeping hands away from the base opening, reducing contamination risk while maintaining emptying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable insert acts as an intermediary between the urine and the user's hands. Users handle and empty the insert rather than reaching into or touching the top of the main container. This intermediary approach allows efficient emptying operations while keeping the main container's opening and rim free from direct hand contact, reducing contamination risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable male urinal will allow the long haul truckdriver or others engaged in long road trips to relieve themselves when facilities are not otherwise readily available. A handle is provided on a sealed container with a flared opening in the opening of the container is large enough to receive the urine. A tapered insert, which forms part of the flared opening which will allow the user to empty the contents without spilling the contents during disposal.