Toilet Ventilation Manifold for Localized Odor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toilet ventilation systems are inefficient in removing unpleasant odors as they require large air volume extraction, consume energy, and are difficult to clean due to cumbersome removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A toilet ventilation system with a manifold that snaps onto the toilet seat hinges, featuring cantilevered tabs for easy removal and a fan that exhausts air to a remote location, preventing water ingress with telescoping sleeves and a dam, and an integrated switch for efficient odor removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a ceiling exhaust fan is used to draw air out of the bathroom generally, then unpleasant odors are removed from the room, but a large amount of air must be evacuated which consumes energy and does not target the odor source efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system transitions from general room air extraction to localized odor source extraction. The manifold is positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl with an inlet that draws air specifically from the odor source area, allowing targeted removal of unpleasant odors without the need to evacuate large volumes of entire room air, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the harmful portion (odors) from their source location rather than removing all air from the room. The manifold and inlet are designed to capture air containing odors at the toilet bowl area and transport it through ductwork to an exhaust location, separating the odor removal function from general room ventilation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air is drawn from the room generally, then odors are removed, but the system is inefficient as it requires large air volume extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet is positioned to draw air locally from the odor source area adjacent to the toilet bowl, concentrating the extraction on the specific region where odors are generated. This localized approach reduces the total air volume that needs to be processed compared to general room ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary portion of air containing odors from their source, rather than evacuating large volumes of entire room air. The manifold design captures odorous air at the point of origin and transports it directly to exhaust, minimizing the quantity of air that must be moved.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a ventilation system is installed near the toilet to collect air nearer the source, then odor removal efficiency improves, but the system becomes difficult to clean due to cumbersome removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed as a separate, removable component from the toilet assembly. It connects to the toilet via a mounting plate that allows the manifold to be detached without removing the entire toilet or seat assembly. This segmentation enables easy access for cleaning and maintenance while maintaining effective odor removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is extracted as a separate serviceable component from the fixed installation. The mounting plate design allows the manifold to be removed and reinstalled, facilitating easy cleaning of the odor collection surfaces without requiring complete disassembly of the toilet structure.
4Reliability
If the manifold is permanently fixed to the toilet structure, then secure installation is achieved, but removal and cleaning become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into a mounting plate attached to the toilet structure and a removable manifold component. This segmentation allows the manifold to be securely installed during normal use but easily removed for cleaning by detaching from the mounting plate, providing both stability and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting connection transitions from a fixed permanent state during operation to a removable state during maintenance. The mounting plate design enables the manifold to be easily detached and reattached, providing dynamic flexibility that accommodates both secure installation and easy removal requirements.
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 efficiently removes odors by targeting their source, reduces energy consumption, and facilitates easy cleaning by allowing simple removal of the manifold for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A fan is connected to the manifold to draw air through the inlet out of the manifold and exhaust the air to a remote location from the toilet and outside of the room where the toilet is located.
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet ventilation system for removing unpleasant odors from a toilet efficiently. The toilet ventilation system has a manifold with an inlet that rests on an upper surface adjacent to the toilet bowl. The manifold has an outlet that is in communication with the inlet and the manifold has protrusions that extend from its sides. The protrusions are on cantilevered tabs. The toilet seat has hinges that have mounting portions being spaced apart and including mortices facing inward. The protrusions are designed to snap fit into the mortices and the tabs may be bent inwardly for easy removal of the manifold for cleaning. A fan is connected to the manifold to draw air through the inlet out of the manifold and exhaust the air to a remote location from the toilet and outside of the room where the toilet is located.