Automated Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser with Vacuum Suction

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 - An intelligent toilet lid paper changing device comprising a toilet body, a seat ring, and a lid. The lid is hinged via a pivot. A paper feed mechanism is located behind the lid, containing a box with a reference column for the paper. Key features include an air blowing device for separating paper, infrared altitude sensors on the sides of the column, and a rotatable elastic pressure plate. The lid’s lower end has multiple suction cups. An arc-shaped baffle on the lid’s outer side slides in a groove to move relative to the lid, preventing interference with the paper stack during rotation. Clamping plates press the baffle.

Claim 2 - Adds an air pump connected to the suction cups via pipes to provide vacuum.

Claim 3 - Specifies the height adjustment mechanism uses a cylinder shaft and cylinder to raise the backing plate.

Claim 4 - Details that the air blowing device has multiple blowing holes.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific configuration in China would require the owner’s permission. However, the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, the Chinese patent itself does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Automated toilet seat cover dispensers are a competitive field. US companies like Tushy or various sanitary ware giants may hold patents on similar vacuum-based or rotating application methods. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is essential to check for US patents covering “vacuum applied seat covers” or “rotating lid dispensers” before tooling.
• Integration complexity. This design relies on precise alignment of baffles, sensors, and vacuum channels. Modifying the lid shape or seat geometry to fit different toilet models may alter the functional relationship described in the claims, potentially avoiding infringement but requiring significant re-engineering.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• UL 60335-1 / UL 60335-2-10 - Safety standards for household electrical appliances, specifically those involving water and electricity (toilets/bidets).
• FCC Part 15 - If wireless controls (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) are added for door lock integration or app control.
• IPC WaterSense - While not mandatory for accessories, compatibility with low-flow toilets may require careful hydraulic design if water lines are involved.
• NSF/ANSI 372 - Lead content limits for materials contacting potable water (if any water lines are part of the assembly).

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define toilet model compatibility, paper size, and power requirements.
2. Design - CAD modeling of lid interface, baffle sliding tracks, and vacuum channel routing.
3. Prototype - 3D printed housings, off-the-shelf vacuum pumps, and sensor testing.
4. Pilot Run - Cycle life testing, humidity exposure tests, and noise verification.
5. Production - Injection molding for plastic parts, CNC machining for metal brackets, PCB assembly.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling costs are driven by the precision required for the sliding baffle mechanism and the multi-cavity molds for the suction cup arrays. Certification for electrical safety (UL) adds significant lead time. Send us your target toilet models, paper specifications, and volume estimates and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Injection molding is likely the primary process for the lid and box housings, given the complex internal channels for air and vacuum. Stainless steel forming may be used for the reference column and structural supports. Electroplating could be applied to decorative metal accents. Silicone molding is typically used for the suction cups to ensure a good seal against the paper.

Cost drivers

Plating grade and thickness likely affect the aesthetic finish and corrosion resistance in humid environments. Seal and gasket quality is critical to maintaining vacuum pressure; poor seals increase failure rates. Material grade for the plastic must withstand repeated flexing and moisture. Packaging must protect delicate sensor alignments during shipping.

Prototyping path

We would typically start with a 3D-printed housing to verify the sliding baffle geometry. Use off-the-shelf seals and vacuum cups for initial function tests. A water spray test sample is necessary to validate IP ratings. Conduct plating trials on coupons to match the final look. Finalize tooling after confirming the actuator forces.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely replace the manual clamping plates with a snap-fit or screw-retained assembly for easier maintenance. The wire routing and strain relief for the sensors should be redesigned to prevent pinching during the lid’s rotation cycle. We would also simplify the air blowing nozzle array to reduce clogging risks.

Common failure points

Water ingress at seams is a major risk due to the bathroom environment. Plating flaking or corrosion can occur if the coating is too thin. Suction cup hardening over time may reduce grip strength. Mold and mildew can develop in trapped water within the air channels. Hinge fatigue is possible if the motor torque is miscalculated.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does it separate the paper sheets?

It uses an air blowing device with multiple holes positioned between the top two sheets. By injecting a burst of air, it breaks the static cling and friction, allowing the vacuum suction cups to pick up only the top sheet.

Does it work with any toilet seat cover?

The patent specifies common water-soluble packing paper. The dimensions of the stack and the position of the suction cups must match the paper size. Custom holders can be designed for different paper formats.

What happens if the paper runs out?

Infrared altitude sensors monitor the height of the paper stack. When the level drops below a threshold, the system can alert the user or stop the cycle to prevent empty picks. The backing plate automatically raises to keep the top sheet at the correct pickup height.

Is the mechanism noisy?

The air blow and vacuum pump operations are brief. Noise levels depend on the choice of pump and enclosure design. Dampening materials can be added to the housing to meet quiet-operation targets for residential use.

Can it be installed on existing toilets?

It requires replacing the current lid with the specialized mechanism lid. The pivot and seat attachment must match the existing toilet geometry. Retrofit kits would need custom brackets for each toilet brand and model.

How is the paper held on the seat?

After the lid rotates and places the paper, the vacuum on the lid releases. The paper rests on the seat. Some designs may use additional vacuum holes in the seat area or rely on the paper’s natural adhesion to the dry surface.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent is filed in China and is in force there. The public record shows no US counterpart, so this specific Chinese patent does not restrict production or sales in the US. However, other US patents may cover similar automated dispenser technologies. We recommend a freedom-to-operate review before launching.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN108685518B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (sanitary ware manufacturer, hotel supplier, smart home integrator)
• Target toilet models and lid dimensions
• Paper specifications (size, material, roll or stack format)
• Power requirements (battery, AC adapter, wired)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.