Pebble-Structured Urinal Insert for Flexible Splashback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urinal anti-splashback devices are bulky, inefficiently use materials, and fail to fit correctly across a range of urinal shapes and drains.
Innovation Solution
An insert for urinals featuring a central portion extending across the drain with radially outward outer portions, pebble features, spacers, and gaps that define fluid flowpaths, composed of injection-molded plastic like EVA rubberized plastic, optionally with fragrance oil and an enzyme cake compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional urinal anti-splashback devices are used, then splashback prevention is achieved, but the devices are bulky and use excessive material
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into a central portion and multiple outer portions that can be independently configured. The pebble features are segmented as discrete elements arranged in specific patterns, allowing optimized material distribution only where needed for splashback prevention rather than using solid bulk material throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert incorporates gaps between pebble features and between outer portions, creating a porous structure that allows fluid flow while maintaining splashback prevention functionality. This reduces material usage compared to solid conventional devices while preserving the anti-splashback effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional urinal anti-splashback devices are used, then splashback prevention is achieved, but they do not fit correctly across a range of urinal shapes and drains
Solution Approach 1:
The outer portions are designed to be flexible and adaptable in their positioning. The gaps between outer portions allow the structure to conform to different urinal geometries and drain configurations, enabling the same insert design to fit various urinal shapes effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert design with its central portion, multiple configurable outer portions, and gaps between elements creates a universal structure that can adapt to different urinal types and drain configurations, making it versatile across various applications rather than requiring custom designs for each urinal shape.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional urinal anti-splashback devices are used, then splashback prevention is achieved, but the devices are not able to be used effectively over a range of different shaped urinals
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with central and outer portions allows the insert to be installed effectively across different urinal configurations. The gaps between segments provide flexibility during installation and adjustment, making it easier to achieve proper fit and effectiveness across various urinal shapes without complex installation procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An insert (1) for a urinal configured in use to prevent splashback, the insert (1) comprising a central portion (2) for extending across a drain of a urinal, and a plurality of spaced apart outer portions (3) extending radially outwardly from the central portion (2) and defining gaps between adjacent outer portions (3), in which the central portion (2) and each outer portion (3) comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features (5), in which each pebble feature (5) comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers (6), in which each spacer (6) adjoins adjacent pebble features (5) in a configuration such that each pebble feature (5) is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature (5), and in which openings (7) providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features (5) and the spacers (6).