Toilet Seat Ventilation System with Integrated Odor Processing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet seat ventilation systems lack a compact, integrated solution that provides high-performance odor removal without requiring external exhaust systems or modifications to the toilet bowl, often failing to effectively manage odors and vapors.
Innovation Solution
A compact integrated toilet seat ventilation system comprising a toilet seat, lid, and an odor processing unit with a fan, filters, and sensors, where the odor processing unit is integrated into the lid, featuring suction points and exhaust mouths strategically located to optimize airflow within the toilet bowl, and includes antimicrobial means, sensors, and a battery-operated design for self-sufficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional ventilation system connected to external room exhaust systems is used, then sufficient power for odor extraction is achieved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ventilation system components (fan, extraction channels, exhaust mouths, suction points) directly into the toilet seat assembly, merging previously separate ventilation infrastructure with the toilet seat itself. This integration eliminates the need for external exhaust system connections while maintaining effective odor extraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The toilet seat is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary seating function while simultaneously serving as the housing and operational components for the ventilation system. The seat structure itself becomes both the user interface and the ventilation system boundary, eliminating separate ventilation infrastructure
2Device complexity
If ventilation systems are integrated into the toilet seat, then device complexity is reduced, but extraction power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the fan operation, allowing it to adjust its extraction power based on operational conditions. The system can operate at higher power levels when needed (such as during toilet usage) while maintaining integration within the seat structure, thus achieving both compact integration and sufficient extraction capability
3Ease of operation
If existing toilet bowls are used without modifications, then ease of installation is improved, but ventilation effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is designed to be self-contained within the toilet seat assembly, requiring no external modifications to the toilet bowl or plumbing infrastructure. The system serves itself by using the seat's own structure to define the ventilation boundaries and contain the airflow paths, eliminating installation complexity while maintaining effectiveness
4Productivity
If suction points and exhaust mouths are strategically positioned, then airflow optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different functional zones within the toilet seat structure: suction points are positioned at specific locations to capture odors, while exhaust mouths are positioned elsewhere to release filtered air. Each region of the seat is optimized for its specific function, creating effective airflow patterns through localized functional differentiation rather than complex overall structure
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 effectively removes odors and vapors from the toilet bowl area, maintaining a clean environment without external exhaust systems and allowing for easy retrofitting onto existing toilets, with optimized airflow and antimicrobial properties enhancing odor elimination.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to couple in air seal communication with the extraction channel and to draw odorous air released when a person uses the toilet via the filter into an exhaust
Implementation Method 2
the odor processing unit comprises at least one filter and a fan configured to couple in air seal communication with the extraction channel and to draw odorous air released when a person uses the toilet via the filter into an exhaust
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of toilet seats. More specifically it concerns a replacement to a conventional toilet seat with enhanced functionalities. The toilet seat has an odor processing unit (24) integrated in the toilet lid, with suction points and exhausts in the toilet seat.