Affiliations: [a] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gunma
University, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Professor Kosuke Nagaya, Department of
Mechanical Engineering, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma 376-8515, Japan. Tel.:
+81 277 30 1563; Fax: +81 277 30 1567; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: A self-washing toilet system suitable for patient care is presented.
The system consists of rubber pants that are worn by the patient and sealed by
inflation with air. Excrement is flushed from the toilet with water via an
outlet tube, and the system is flushed with air to dryness. Control systems are
developed for the detection of humidity and urine, and for maintenance of
appropriate inflation pressures. The inflation system effectively seals around
the thighs and waist without discomfort, and reliably differentiates between
natural moisture and urine. The underwear type toilet and control system are
constructed and demonstrated experimentally to be applicable, in principle, for
practical use.
Keywords: Care, toilet, pants, control, self-washing
