CA2101913A1 - Non-flushing toilet system - Google Patents

Abstract

Basically most water closet toilets in exist today are flushing-type that either need a water tank or special means such as water pump to create a fairly high-pressure for cleaning and discharge of waste by means of siphon action. This invention of non-flushing toilet employs a totally different design principle, which does not need a high water pressure, and no need for siphon action within the toilet. Consequently, no water tank is needed which effects save in space, and, with more efficient use of water, saving of water is also effected. Further, as no siphon action is needed, operation noise is much reduced, resulting in a quieter toilet. Even further, as no high pressure is required, design of Portable Toilet is also made posible. Options of new and special features to be used in existing and future toilets, including present invention are also disclosed in this patent application.

Description

- l - 2101~13 WORKING PRINCIPLE FOR BASIC SYSTEM : - -WATER EJECTION : Directioned beams of water ejected from jet-heads (nozzles with small opening) is used for sanitary cieaning instead of traditional flushing. Fig 1. There may be one or more than one, in any optimum number, of jet-heads used in one cleaning system.
The jet-heads may be fixed in position and/or direction, or may be movable, rotatable, circulating, swival, or travel along specially assigned loci for optimum cleaning effects. Each jet-head may consists of one or several openings. The jet-heads, together with related pipings and holding fixtures, in cases that apply, may be concealed inside housing, or may be externally visible; or may be extendable to certain positions for optimum ejection, then return to standby positions after cleaning. The jet-hea,ds may start ejecting water simultaneously, in se~uential order,rspecially programmed ejecting orders, selectable or non-selectable by user.
Connections will be provided for connecting the jet-heads, through valves, and/or controls in case apply, to water sources such as taps, water pipes etc.
As jet-head openings are of fairly small diameters, only as fraction of ordinary tap pipes, and as water pressure is basically inversely proportional to cross-sectional area of flow, strong ejected beams of water are available through the jet-heads for cleaning. Further, as the jet-heads are directional and movable, much better cleaning effects can be achieved with minimum volume of water.

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CONFIDENT_A= 21019 1~
-Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG
WASTE DISPOSAL : The bowl in ordinary flushing toilet is, in this invention, divided into a fixed basin with an opening of cylindrical or other appropriate shapes, at the bottom, plus a hinged, movable bowl below it Fig 2. The hinge-joint is connected to, or forms part of the underside of the basin~ or the toilet frame.
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN I : This bowl is to be made with light-weight durable material, such as nylon, polycarbonate etc and has a short stem next to the hinge-joint Fig ~. The stem carries a weight, which can also be the stem itself made heavy enough, so that the weight of the bowl plus its content, together with the hinge-joint, and the stem with weight form a lever system. The hinge-joint forms the pivot point of the lever with the 2 weights on the 2 sides.
The total weight of the stem + weight is such assigned that it assures to maintain the bowl in its uppermost position until the bowl is about 3/4 full of water + waste. A stopper of the rubber type or equivalent is located at the other side of the bowl as a shock-absorber whenever the bowl returns to its uppermost position. In its standby uppermost position, the bowl carries a thin layer of clean water which just seals the basin cylindricasl opening to prevent bad smell from the drainage escasping to the toilet room, and which also serves for moisturing purposes.
After the user has finished using the toilet, the water valve will be switched ON (open) either manually as described in VERSION I
following, or automatically as versions following. Water is then ejected from the jet-heads in strong narrow beams for thorough cleaning of basin + bowl. This water + waste goes through the basin bottom opening and are collected by the bowl. When the content of the bowl reaches about 3/4 full, the lever moment from the bowl side begins to balance the lever moment from the stem side. Further incoming water begins to lower and tilt the bowl as its total weight increases. The shape of the bowl is so designed that as the bowl tils, its content tends to flow farther away from the hinge-joint, which means the centre of gravity of the bowl + content simultaneously move farther away from the hing-joint, creating a longer moment arm for the bowl side, which in turn accelerates tilting of the bowl.
This keep accelerating shifting of centre of gavity and tilting of bowl consequently results in rapid pouring of bowl content to drainage. Fig 3. After the bowl empties its content, the stem weight moment will restore the empty bowl to its uppermost position. As may prefer or may omit, the jet-head ejection may continue for further cleaning of the basin + bowl, so as to effect a second stage operation of the bowl which pours away the second stage cleaning water before returning to its uppermost standby position. The valve is such timed that it will suffice to supply a further thin layer of water to the standby bowl before the valve closes.

CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994 ============ ~101~3 ~OWL OPERATION DESIGN II : Basic design is same as in DESIGN I, except that the stem end is gear-toothed to match a geared-cam pressed against the stem by a balance force from pressure spring or equivalent. The gear teeth of both stem and cam are such shaped and spaced that they match the movement locus of the stem-end. Fig4 The stem weight is lighter in this design, as its only purpose is to assure bringing back the bowl to its uppermost standby position.
As the bowl collects urine and other waste, its weight increase.
As the total bowl weight begins to create a lever moment that exceeds the stem moment, which is in this design much smaller due to a lighter stem, the bowl begin to tilt. However, this tilting is counter-balanced by the spring force through the geared contact.
Any further increase in weight of the bowl side will tilt the bowl further, but at the same time will press the spring harder, resulting in a larger spring counter-balance force, serving to maintain the bowl in its new position. Consequently, the water level inside the basin will be maintained practically same at different weight of waste inside bowl. After the user finishes using the toilet, and the water supply valve is switched open, either manually or automatically, the bowl begins to collect more and more water ejected by the jet-heads, and will tilt further and further until the stem-end goes out of the gearing with the cam, thus releasing the spring balance force totally.
Consequently, the bowl pours its content to the drainage rapidly.
The stem weight will then pull the empty bowl back to its uppermost position. The cam-spring construction is such designed that when the stem end returns, the spring will bend slightly down to allow(Fig5 the return of the stem without getting into gearing. After the stem returns to standby position, the cam-spring will resume its stretched status with its gears just above the stem gears. A second stage cleaning may or may not be employed before the bowl resumes its standby position with a thin layer of clean water a$ DESIGN I.
In this design, the bowl shape may or may not has centre gravity of its content shift away from the hinge -joint before gearing is released. The benefit of this design is that since the water level can be maintained always at a minimum inside the basin, the total basin height can be reduced, leaving more space for bowl operation.
Instead of a geared matching, cam with specially curved contact locus Fig 7 or stepped surface may also be used Fig 8, though the latter alternatives will likely result in faster wear and tear.

CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994.

P~tent Petitioner : MR. SHU-KI YEUNG ~1 019~ 3 BOWL OPERATION DESIGN III
In this design, basin with cylindrical or appropriately-shaped bottom opening is similar to DESIGN I. The bowl, however, is splitted into 2 basically symmetrical halves Fig 6. Each half has its own hinge-joint connected to the underside o- the basin. Both bowl-halves are made of heavier material such as metal and are hinged at such a position of the halves that the centre of gravity of each will tend to force each to move toward the other forming a pressed contact in the standby status. The rims of the 2 halves in contact are stepped for matching Fig 7 . A lining of soft water-proof material such as nylon, rubber of epoxy etc is adhered or fixed to each rim for contact.
The -weight of the halves is so chosen that they will press the water-proof linings so hard that there will be little or practically no water leakage from the assembled bowl. The bowl halves are designed with hooks or other means on them that they can be driven apart by electric motor or solenoids. When the electric motor or solenoids are activated by the electronic control unit, as described in following appropriate versions, the 2 bowl halves are pulled apart simultaneously for a pre-determined period of time, and the bowl content is thus quickly emptied to the drainage below. After the time period, the motor or solenoids will be de-energised, and the 2 halves will, forced by their own weights, return to the assembled positions. A second stage cleaning as in DESIGN I may also be employed before the bowl retains its standby status with a thin layer of clean water. Electric valves similar to the solenoid type will be used for jet-head ejection, and the open/close timings are determined by the electronic control unit.
One significant benefit of this split-bowl operation is that the bowl travel locus will not go lower than the assembled bowl, resulting in a reduced total height of the toilet.
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN IV :
This design is similar to DESIGN III, except that both bowl halves are so hinged that their C.~.tend to move each away from the other. At standby status, the 2 bowl halves are pressed together to form an assembled bowl by external forces e.g. pressure springs, from chosen appropriate directions Fig 8 . When the electronic control unit calls for emptying the bowl content, the forces will be temporarily removed or reduced by electric motor or solenoids, and the 2 bowl halves will separate and quickly empty its content to the drainage below. After a pre-determined time period, the motor or solenoids will be de-energised and the restored pressing forces will push the 2 halves together to form an assembled bowl again. DESIGN IV is actually a reciprocation of DESIGN III, but has the advantage of better water-leakage prevention as the bowl halves are pressed together by stronger external forces.

CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994.
=========
Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 21~1913 The toilet system versions described below utilises the JET-HEAD
EJECTION and one or more of the BOWL OPERATION DESIGN stated above VERSION I : This is a totally mechanically operated version. its operation is illustrated by the following diagram Fig 9.
Common valve with pre-specified flow period is used to control water supply to the jet-heads. Alternatively, special valve which is triggered ON (open) by single-action ON manual switch, and close after a desired period of watering time, controlled by Cam action, through stepped down gears if necessary, can be designed.Fig 14.
BOWL OPERATION DESIGN I or II will be used for this version.
Adaptor for addition of disinfectant/detergents etc may or may not be provided as an option.

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Fig 9 VERSION II : This is a basic electrical-power-operated version, where energy may come from Electricity Mains Supply, Batteries, or Solar Cells or a combination of the~. Fig 10.
Commonly available solenoid type of valve or equivalent is used.
Manual switch is simple push-on single action type that serves only for sending signal to the electronic control unit to start operation.
The electronic timing control unit control open~,close of valve with prescribed time periods; controls on/off for motor/solenoid for movable jet-heads for models with movable jet-heads; and control on/off of motro/solenoids for splitable bowls for models that employs Bowl Operation Designs III & IV.
All Bowl Operation Designs I II III IV may be used for this version.
Adaptor for addition of disinfectant may or may not be provided as an option.
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Fig 10 CONFIDENTIAL FEB , 8, 1994.

l~tent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 21Q191 3 VERSION III : This is extended design of VERSION II with added options of Automatic Operation; option of Warming of Seat-pad; option of Automatic Cleaning/Disinfecting of Seat-Pad; and option of electrically-operated accessories, e.g. shaver, telephone etc. Fig 11 Manual ON-switch is added for~ option without Automatic Operation, and also for option with Automatic Operation as a safeguard against failure of the latter. Selectable switch for Manual/Automatic may or may not be provided for user selection.
The Electronic Unit in this version includes also all timing/delay controls and ON/OFF controls for electrically-powered components and options.
Automatic Operation :-2 separate sensors will be used to detect presence of user.The first sensor will either be pressure-contact switch immediately under the seat-pad, or proximity switch / infra red detector or equivalent , located in appropriate position to locate the presence of a sitting user. The second sensor will either be a pressure mat placed in front of the toilet, or proximity sensor etc located near the floor to detect the presence of a standing user (male).
Whenever user presence is detected by either first sensor or second sensor, the electronic control unit will be triggered to STANDBY
status. If such detection discontinues within a prescribed false-signal-prevention period, e.g. 1 minute for the first sensor, e.g.
5 seconds for the second sensor, the Standby status will be cancelled.
If the detection continues over the false-signal-prevention period, and then discontinued, a delay circuitrywill be triggered. After the delay time, e.g. 1 minute has elapsed, automatic operation will start. If, however, before the delay time has elapsed a user detection signal returns, the delay circuit triggering will be cancelled and the control unit returns to standby status. This is for screening out false signal due to user movements temporarily out of detection.
Whenever a signal from the first sensor is confirmed, all previous signals from second sensor will be cancelled, and all subsequent signals from second will be bypassed. That is, the signals from first sensor alway~ supersedes signals from second sensor. This supersession is necessary as a siting user may first trigger the second sensor.
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C C ~ S ~ O r~ s CONFIDENTIAL FEB, 8, 1994.
============ 2~L01913 Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG
VERSION IV : This is a Portable Toilet using the Jet-Head Ejection principle and Bowl Operation Design I or II. Fig 12.
Toilet Body -- includes a frame structure, foldable or non-foldable holding the jet-heads, valve + ON-switch, the basin and the bowl, all or any of them may be fixed to the frame or easily detachable.
Foldable Water Containers -- an option for use with stream water, sea-water etc in places where no tap water is available.
Waste Storage -- In form of disposasble plastic bags, or other foldable containers which may be disposable or non-disposable.
Adaptor for disinfectant addition may or may not be included as option.
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Fig 12 ~S~ c~ p VERSION V : This is an electrically-operated Portable Toilet similar to Version IV. The valve, jet-heads, bowl and other options may possibly be electrically operated. Bowl Operation Design I II III
or IV may be employed. Electronic Control Unit is also included in the Toilet Body Block Diagram. Fig 13.

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CONFINDENTIAL FEB,8, 1994.
P-2tent Petitioner : MR. SHU-KI YEUNG 2101~13 SPECIAL VALVE FOR USE IN VERSION I ~ VERSION IV :

Fig 14 illustrates a design for a special valve with timing, for sequential jet-head water ejection. This valve is water-driven , and with external handle for manual triggering.
When the external handle is pressed down, a small cork-stopper is pulled up by a chain connected to the handle-bar, ~ , letting water start to go through a special pipe opening leading to the first jet-head, and, simultaneously the stopper on the main wheel is released.
With its fangs pressed by incoming water from the tap source, Fig 15, the water-propelled wheel starts to rotate, and in turn, drives a set of step-down gears, connecting to the main wheel, Fig 16, which is, in turn, driven to rotate. The main wheel has on it one or more perforated hole(s) of circular or other appropriate shapes. As the main wheel rotates, its perforated hole(s) soon begin to travel above a pipe-opening(s) leading to the jet-head(s), which thus starts to eject water. Being continually pressed by tap water pressure, the water-propelled wheel keeps on rotating, and so does the main wheel, with motion transmitted to it through the gears. Before the perforated hole(s) totally leaves the pipe-opening(s), it begins to travel above the next opening(s); this is made possible with proper spacing of the pipe-opening(s) and/or shape of the perforated hole(s).
Hence, water is ejected in sequential order of the jet-heads. As water keeps on flowing out through one or more of the jet pipes, rotation continues although the small cork-stopper returns to block the first pipe-opening as the handle returns to its original standby position. Rotation continues until the stopper on the main ~heel is stopped by the handle-bar, and the perforated hole(s) simultaneously returns to its original position(s) where no pipe-opening is left open. As the main wheel is driven by step-down gears, which is also specially ratioed to render the desired total ejection time, only a small water pressure from the tap source is required to start and to maintain the rotation, as force delivered to the main wheel is proportional to the gear ratio.
Alternatively, manual handle + stopper may be incorporated on the water-propelled wheel to block incoming water at standby status.
Also, the chain can be omitted if the cork-stopper is directly connected to the manual handle bar and forms part of the specially shaped bar.

CONFIDENTIAL FEB,8,1994.

Patent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 019~3 The following designs are applicable to and will be used in any existing or future toilets with swival top-cover and swival seat-pad, including, but not limited to inventions described in this Patent Application.
AUTOMATIC DISINFECTING/CLEANING OF SEAT-PAD
ESIGN I : The top-cover and seat-pad are similar to traditional designs basically in shape and in capability of staying in Fi 17 seat-position or lifted-up position by swival action.
g Cleaning devices,cleaning tools, cleaning agents, either or both, or all of them, will be embedded in the top-cover.
When the seat-pad is lifted up and in close contact with the top-cover, or the top-cover pulled down, the seat-pad surface will be automatically cleaned and/or disinfected.
Cleaning device can be but not limited to supersonic waves, electrical voltage, heat, infra-red/ultra-violet lights, micro-wave, laser, air current, freezer etc.
Cleaning tools can include, but not limited to brushes, cloth, detergent-applier, rubber, dirt-remover, wiper, detergent applier, scratchers, vibrator, sha~ker etc.
Cleaning agent include, but not limited to detergents, disinfectants, fluid, gases, soap, oil, chemical etc.
ESIGN II : Similar to DESIGN I above. Instead of cleaning, adhesive sheets of paper, vinyl or other suitable material will be Fig 18 embedded inside the top-cover. Each time the seat-pad is lifted up to touch the top-cover, or top-cover pulled down, a disposable adhesive sheet will be attached to the seat-pad surface. So, a user can simply remove the origianl sheet, then lift up the seat-pad or pull down the top-cover, his seat-pad will be completely covered against infection with a new clean sheet. As options of this design, instead of adhesive sneets, electrostatic sheets, stickers, or sheets cut to special shapes and curvatureimatching the seat-pad may be used. As a further option, studs or other fixing means may be added to the seat-pad margin, so that sheets will be fixed automatically to these studs when seat-pad gets in contact with top-cover. As a still further option, the sheet may be formed from a layer of chemical or vinyl coating received from, or ejected from the top-cover. The coating quickly hardens to become a sheet which is easily removable after use.
ESIGN III : Similar to DESIGN I, except that the cleaning device/
cleaning tool and/or cleaning agent will be embedded on the or in the upper rim of the main toilet basin, on which the Flg 19 seat-pad rests, and that the seat-pad is double-surfaced, and that the seat-pad can be easily detachable and reversed by user. Each time when the seat-pad is held down in contact with basin rim, its under-surface is cleaned/disinfected.
user need only reverse the seat-pad to get a clean surface.

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CONFIDENTIAL FEB , 8, 1994.

~atent Petitioner : Mr. SHU-KI YEUNG 2 ~ Q ~ 91 DETACHABLE SEAT-PAD / TOP-COVER :
ESIGN A : Rotary end-caps with proper side slot will be used as hinge-joint to hold the seat-pad / top-cover to the toilet.
Fig 20 Fig # , When the end-cap is rotated such that its side slot co-incides with the slot opening of the joint on the toilet body, the seat-pad /top-cover studs can be released, and therefore the seat-pad / top-cover can be taken out or inserted in. Rotation of the end-caps to cover the slots will lock the seat-pad / top-cover in position.
Separate sets of end-caps may be used for seat-pad and for top-cover respectively; alternatively, one set of end-caps may be used for both. Hence user can easily disassemble seat-pad and/or top-cover for thorough cleaning, or for DESIGN III automatic disinfection, and easily reassemble them into position.
DESIGN B : Similar to DESIGN A, except that instead of using end-caps, Fig 21 a removable cover will be used to cover the slot openings.
ESIGN C : Similar to DESIGN A, but the end-caps are without slots.
Instead these end-cap are user retractable and replacable.
ARMING OF SEAT_PAD : Heating elements (electrical) are embedded inside top-cover or inside upper rim of toilet basin, or~ combination of either or both so that the seat-pad can be maintained at a warm temperature by heat transfer from contact with top-cover and/or basin rim.

Claims (29)

1. The use of narrow beams of water ejected from jet-heads /nozzle with small openings, such that fairly strongcleaning pressure is obtained from ordinary taps, owing to the reversely proportional relationship of flow pressure against cross-sectional area of flow, for toilet cleaning purposes.

2. The use of movable, rotatable, circulating, swival, or travelling on prescribed loci jet-heads in toilet cleaning to achieve optimum cleaning effect with minimum water consumption.

3. The use of a moveable structure to place the jet-head at optimum position and/or direction for optimum cleaning effects in toilet cleaning, and capable of returning to standby positions or housing.

4. The use of multiple jets which ejects in sequential order, or in any pre-programmed order for toilet cleaning. This will assure fairly high water pressure even when the supply tap pressure is low, as only 1 jet or a small number of jets will be ejecting at a time, instead of all jets ejecting simultaneously.

5. Basin with bottom opening + movable bowl as means for storage and disposal of waste to drainage with no necessity for siphon action inside the toilet, as described in Bowl Operation Desings I, and Bowl Operation Design II, and Bowl Operation Design III and Bowl Operation Design IV.

6. The use of a bowl that can have the centre of gravity of its content moving away from the lever-pivot joint as the bowl tilts to accelerate tilting, resulting in rapid pouring of content to drainage in toilets as per Bowl Operation Design I.

7. The use of a lever system with the waste bowl as one side of the lever for rapid waste disposal in toilets.

8. The use of a lever system with a storage bowl on one side and a counter balance force on the other side through gear or friction contact to maintain the bowl in balance tilted positions so as to maintain basically constant water level in the basin, and the rapid disposal of waste to drainage as the gear/frictional contact breaks, at further bowl tilting, in toilets as per Bowl DEsign II.

9. The use of splittable bowl as per Bowl Operation Design III and IV
for storage and subsequent rapid disposal of waste in toilets.

10. The use of flexiable water-proof material as lining at the half-bowl rims, and the use of pressure exerted on these linings to effect minimum water leakage.

11. Manual/Automatic switching selectable by user in toilet systems.

12. The use of pressure-contact switches under seat-pad to be contacted by body-weight for triggering of automatic operation in toilet systems.

13. Use of 2 separate sensors, one sensing a seated user and the other sensing a standing user and the superssession of the 2 sensed signals as described above under AUTOMATIC OPERATION.

14. Portable Toilets made possible with present invention that need no high water pressure nor siphon action.

15. The use of foldable frames, fixtures to constitute Portable Toilet Body.

16. The use foldable water containers in Portable Toilets

17. User-detachable jet-ejecting structure, and/or valve and/or basin and/or bowl in Portable Toilets.

18. Use of disposable waste storage containers in Portable Toilets.

19. Automatic cleaning/disinfecting of seatpad by incorporating cleaning devices and/or cleaning tools and/or cleaning agents in specially designed top-cover as per Automatic Disinfecting of Seat-Pad Design I.

20. Automatic addition of disposable material in sheet form to cover seat-pad for disinfecting purposes by pre-storing such material in specially designed top-cover as per Automatic Disinfecting Design II.

21. Automatic cleaning/disinfcecting of seat-pad by incorporating cleaning device and/or cleaning tools and/or cleaning agents on or inside rim of specially designed basin with the use of reversable double-surface seat-pad.

22. Seat-pad with double surface and user-reversable.

23. Use of rotary end-cap with slot-opening for hold and release of seat-pad and/or top-cover.

24. Use of removable cover to seal slot-opening for hold and release of seat-pad and/or top-cover from hinge-joints.

25. Use of user retractable/replacable end-caps to hold and release seat-pad and/or top-cover from hinge-joints.

26. Addition of electrical heating elements to specially designed basin rim for purpose of warming seat-pad.

27. Addition of electrical heating elements to specially designed top-cover for purpose of warming seat-pad or for delivering warmth to user.

28. Simultaneous addition of heating elements to specially designed basin and specially designed top-cover for purpose of warming seat-pad and delivering warmth to user, with or without a selectable switch for user to select ON/OFF for each or both groups of heating elements.

29. Special valve with water-propelled wheel, with gear-step-down and with perforated main wheel for sequential jet-head ejection as described on page 11 of 19 and per Fig 14, Fig 15 & Fig 16.