Urinal Splash Guard via Asymmetrical Rear Wall and Plenum Baffles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urinals require multiple models to accommodate different flush volumes, leading to inventory inefficiencies and splashing issues due to flat rear walls, which result in urine splatter.
Innovation Solution
A universal urinal design with an asymmetrical V-shaped rear wall and a plenum chamber with baffle holes and a flow restrictor to deflect urine and distribute water evenly, preventing splashing and consolidating flush volume options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple urinal models are manufactured to accommodate different flush volumes, then each model can be optimized for its specific flush volume range, but inventory complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The urinal body is designed with a universal geometry that can effectively accommodate multiple flush volume ranges (0.125-0.25 gallon and 0.5-1.0 gallon) through a single standardized design, eliminating the need for multiple specialized models and simplifying inventory management
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat rear wall is used in urinals designed for smaller flush volumes, then manufacturing is simplified, but urine splatter increases when users urinate against the rear wall
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wall is designed with an asymmetrical geometry featuring a vertical portion and an angled portion that meets at an acute angle, creating an asymmetrical V-shape that effectively deflects urine away from the user while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The angled portion of the rear wall incorporates a rounded corner instead of a sharp edge, creating a smooth curved surface that effectively redirects urine flow while preventing splatter and maintaining ease of manufacture
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 design enhances inventory flexibility, improves appearance and functionality by preventing urine splatter and ensuring effective water distribution across the rear wall, regardless of flush volume.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two angled portions and the rounded corner are configured to deflect urine striking the rear wall such that the urine remains within the internal cavity of the urinal body and falls into the bowl cavity
Implementation Method 2
A flow restrictor is disposed within the plenum chamber to slow a velocity of water flowing through the plenum chamber to prevent splashing of water within the internal cavity of the urinal body and the bowl cavity
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of baffle holes in the lower wall of the top portion are aligned in a configuration corresponding to a shape of the interior surface of the rear wall of the urinal body such that water from the plenum chamber is distributed evenly across the interior surface of the rear wall
Data Source
AI summary
A urinal includes a urinal body having a top portion, a left sidewall, a right sidewall, and a rear wall, which define an internal cavity, and a bowl having a concave shape. The top portion includes a plenum chamber defined therein, which is configured to receive flush water and is in in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the urinal body via a plurality of baffle holes. A flow restrictor is disposed within the plenum chamber to slow a velocity of water flowing through the plenum chamber. The rear wall of the urinal body includes at least two angled portions extending laterally inward and rearward from the left and right sidewalls. The angled portions meet in a rounded corner. The at least two angled portions and the rounded corner are configured to deflect urine striking the rear wall such that the urine remains within the internal cavity.