Toilet Fixture Water Level Control for Splash Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to completely address the issue of splashing from upright urination around toilets, leading to undesirable odors and unsanitary conditions, as they either require additional space or are unattractive and do not provide a comprehensive solution.
Innovation Solution
A modification to toilets that allows temporary conversion into a urinal by reducing the water level in the bowl, using a system with a valve and pneumatic actuator to redirect water flow, thereby minimizing splash exposure, and easily returning to its original state for flushing and refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If retractable or flexible urinals are attached to standard toilets, then the toilet can function as a urinal, but additional space is required that is often not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the toilet to serve dual purposes: functioning as a standard toilet for bowel movements and as a urinal when the water level is lowered. This eliminates the need for separate urinals or additional space-consuming attachments, allowing one fixture to fulfill multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamics by making the water level adjustable rather than fixed. The water level can be dynamically changed between a higher position (for toilet function) and a lower position (for urinal function), allowing the toilet to adapt its configuration based on the intended use without requiring additional space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If retractable or pleated shields are secured to a toilet to reduce splashing, then some splash protection is provided, but they do not provide a complete solution and can be unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by modifying the water level parameter rather than adding physical barriers. By lowering the water level, the system changes the physical conditions in the bowl to reduce splashing, providing an elegant solution that maintains aesthetics while effectively addressing the harmful splashing effect.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the water level in the toilet bowl is reduced to minimize splashing, then splashing is reduced, but the toilet cannot flush waste effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics by making the water level adjustable between two states: a lower level for urinal function with reduced splashing, and a higher level for effective toilet flushing. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance for whichever function is currently needed, ensuring both splashing reduction and reliable flushing when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies periodic action by alternating between two operational states: urinal mode with low water level and toilet mode with high water level. The system periodically switches between these states based on user needs, with the flushing mechanism periodically restoring the water level to enable effective waste removal.
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
Effectively reduces splashing and maintains a sanitary environment by minimizing water displacement during urination while allowing easy conversion and restoration of the toilet to its original function.
Implementation Method 1
A preferred valve actuator is a pneumatic valve actuator that includes a spring, a flexible diaphragm, a connecting rod (or arm), and a protrusion or other means of attaching the valve actuator to an actuator.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improvement for toilet fixtures that reduces the amount of wastewater that splashes out of a toilet during its use. This reduction in splashing reduces the odor and unsanitary conditions that frequently occur on and around a toilet. Advantageously, the invention allows a user to temporarily change an existing fixture to function similarly to a urinal and then return the fixture to its function as a toilet for both liquid and solid waste removal.