Urinary device for males
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many males over 55 experience prostate-related urinary issues, leading to difficulty controlling urine flow while standing, and there is a need for a product to assist them, as well as a means to reduce water usage in urination due to water shortages.
Innovation Solution
A urinary device attachable to a toilet, biased by a spring to a vertical position, with a telescoping feature for adjustable height and a bypass to direct urine flow into a drain, reducing the need for flushing and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If males stand to urinate, then urination can be performed quickly, but prostate problems cause erratic urine stream making it difficult to direct flow into the toilet
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (urine directing device with extension and spout) between the user and the toilet bowl to capture and redirect the erratic urine stream. The extension positions the spout to receive the stream, and the spout directs it into the bowl, solving the direction control problem while maintaining standing position.
2Ease of operation
If a urinary device is added to assist with urine flow direction, then urine flow direction control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base that attaches to the toilet, an extension that positions the spout, and a spout that directs the urine. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a telescoping extension that can be adjusted in length, providing dynamic adaptability to accommodate different user heights and preferences. This dynamic feature allows the device to be customized without requiring multiple different device designs.
3Reliability
If toilet flushing is used after urination, then urine is removed from the toilet bowl, but water usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the urine stream from the toilet bowl environment by directing it into the bowl through a controlled path. The bypass feature allows urine to be directed away from the bowl entirely, eliminating the need for water-based flushing to remove urine, thus reducing water consumption while maintaining effective urine removal.
4Ease of operation
If the device is positioned for tall males, then tall males can use it effectively, but short males cannot reach or use it properly
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping extension provides a dynamic, adjustable length that adapts to different user heights. The extension can be extended for tall males and retracted for short males, allowing the spout to be positioned at the appropriate height and distance for each user, thereby achieving both tall male usability and height accommodation.
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 device assists males in directing urine flow into the toilet, reduces water usage, and minimizes germ and odor accumulation, making it easier to clean and install, while accommodating various user heights.
Implementation Method 1
The device is installed between a toilet seat and tank and is biased by a spring to a vertical or near vertical position against the tank when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A urinary device is attachable to a toilet and assists males in directing a flow of urine into the toilet. The device is installed between a toilet seat and tank and pivots to a vertical or near vertical position against the tank when not in use. A telescoping portion extends for tall or short males. The device may be installed on any standard toilet in a few minutes. A bypass may be included to direct urine into a drain avoiding the toilet bowl and the need to flush the toilet. The urinary device reduces or eliminates germs and odors on or around the toilet and is easy to clean using water and a household cleaner.