Cars and Mobile Toilets
There have been various explorations and applications of cars in the field of mobile toilets, covering different forms such as in-car toilets and generalized mobile toilets on vehicles.
In-car Toilets
- Seres In-car Toilet: On April 10, 2024, the National Intellectual Property Administration approved Seres' utility model patent for an "in-car toilet and vehicle." It adopts a slide-rail design, usually hidden beneath the driver's and front passenger's seats. It can be pulled out with one button when in use and pushed back into place after use. It is equipped with a 5L sealed waste collection tank, a negative-pressure deodorization system, a constant-temperature heating function, disposable toilet bags, and a foldable privacy curtain. The design初衷 (original intention) was to address the toilet needs of users during long-distance travel and highway traffic jams, taking advantage of the long range of new energy vehicles suitable for long-distance self-driving. However, this patent has also sparked a lot of controversy, with some people criticizing it and others expressing understanding and support, especially family users and off-road enthusiasts who frequently embark on long-distance self-driving trips.
- Marmot Car In-car Toilet Accessory: In 2024, Marmot Car launched an in-car toilet accessory. It can be placed in the central storage compartment. Simply open the lid and place a toilet seat cover on it to use. The founder of Marmot admitted that this is essentially an emergency accessory.
Mobile Toilets on Vehicles (Generalized Concept)
These usually refer to portable sanitation facilities integrated into the vehicle chassis or mounted as independent modules on special vehicles. They represent an advanced form of mobile toilets, aiming to solve toilet problems in areas without fixed sewage discharge networks, such as field operations, long-distance transportation, and emergency disaster relief. These devices combine mechanical engineering and environmental protection technologies, with the core being to modularize, miniaturize, and make mobile the functions of traditional toilets. From a technical perspective, they mainly rely on collection and storage systems (using vacuum suction or chemical degradation technology to seal and treat waste), water treatment systems (some high-end models are equipped with circulating water devices), and power systems (using the vehicle's own power or built-in batteries to drive relevant devices). Common specifications include single-person independent cabins and multi-person combined structures, with customizable volumes to fit the space limitations of different vehicle models. They have a wide range of application scenarios, including construction sites, tourist attractions, large outdoor events, border outposts, and geological exploration teams in remote areas. In terms of industry standards, they need to comply with the emission regulations of environmental protection departments to ensure the harmless treatment of waste. The materials used are mostly fiberglass, stainless steel, or anti-corrosion wood, with waterproof, anti-corrosion, and anti-aging properties, and can adapt to extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C. When in use, attention should be paid to regularly cleaning the septic tank, checking electrical safety, and preventing overloading. With technological development, there is a clear trend towards intelligence.
