Toilet Seat Radio Wave Sensor Layout for Accurate User Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision of radio wave sensing in toilet seat apparatuses is compromised due to wave refraction and attenuation caused by the toilet seat's structure, particularly when the seat is lowered, leading to reduced sensing accuracy for users of varying heights.
Innovation Solution
The toilet seat apparatus design includes a radio wave sensor positioned higher than the rear end of the toilet seat, with a uniform thickness of the seat material to minimize wave refraction and attenuation, ensuring the wave radiates forward without passing through the bent rear end, thus maintaining high precision sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radio wave sensor is provided in the interior of the main part and the toilet seat is lowered, then the toilet seat covers the radio wave sensor, but the radio wave passes through the toilet seat and is refracted, causing sensing precision to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The radio wave sensor is extracted from the interior of the main part and positioned on the rear surface of the main part. This relocation removes the sensor from the path of the toilet seat, eliminating the refraction and attenuation problems caused by the seat covering the sensor while maintaining the sensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
A through-hole is introduced as an intermediary structure in the toilet seat, allowing the radio wave to pass through the seat without being refracted or attenuated by the seat material. The through-hole acts as a clear path for the radio wave while maintaining the structural integrity of the toilet seat.
2Reliability
If the toilet seat structure is used to cover the radio wave sensor, then the sensor can be protected, but the radio wave intensity is reduced and sensing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio wave sensor is extracted from the interior of the main part and positioned on the rear surface, where it is protected by the rear surface structure while maintaining an unobstructed radio wave path. This positioning provides protection without compromising sensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole in the toilet seat serves as an intermediary that allows the radio wave to pass through without interaction with the seat material, maintaining radio wave intensity while the seat structure still provides overall protection for the sensor system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radio wave sensor is positioned to sense users of varying heights, then the adaptability is improved, but the uniform thickness of seat material is compromised, causing wave refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The radio wave sensor is extracted and positioned on the rear surface of the main part, where it can sense users of varying heights without requiring uniform thickness of the toilet seat. The sensor's new position allows it to detect radio waves reflected from users at different heights while the through-hole maintains stable wave propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor positioning is changed from a vertical arrangement (where uniform thickness was required) to a horizontal arrangement on the rear surface. This dimensional change allows the sensor to accommodate users of varying heights while the through-hole maintains consistent radio wave propagation characteristics.
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 configuration enhances the precision of sensing users of all heights by maintaining radio wave intensity and direction, reducing the likelihood of misdetection and stabilizing sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
the radio wave is refracted by the toilet seat, etc.; the travel direction of the radio wave is changed
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a toilet seat apparatus that includes a main part mounted at a rear upper part of a toilet, a toilet seat provided rotatably with respect to the main part, and a radio wave sensor being provided in the interior of the main part and using a radio wave to sense a human body; and in the state in which the toilet seat is lowered, the toilet seat covers the radio wave sensor, and the radio wave passes through the toilet seat and is radiated frontward of the radio wave sensor.