Mobile Toilet for Use in Vehicles

The use of mobile toilets in vehicles is mainly reflected in the design and application of in-car toilets, which are emergency toilet systems rather than traditional in-car restrooms.

Design Intent and Suitable Scenarios

The design intent of in-car toilets is to address the challenge of finding restrooms during long-distance travel, taking advantage of the long range and suitability for long-distance self-driving of new energy vehicles. They are particularly suitable for scenarios such as highway traffic jams during holidays and off-road camping in remote areas, where users may have difficulty quickly finding appropriate restroom facilities. In such cases, in-car toilets provide an emergency solution.

Structure and Functional Features

The in-car toilet is concealed beneath the seat and consists of a toilet body and a set of sliding rail mechanisms. In daily use, the toilet is fully stored beneath the seat, occupying no additional space in the vehicle. When needed, it smoothly slides out via the sliding rail structure. It is equipped with a sealed waste collection tank for collecting excreta, a negative pressure deodorization system to help reduce odors, a constant temperature heating function to enhance user comfort, disposable toilet bags for easy cleaning, and a foldable privacy curtain to provide a certain level of privacy protection.

Potential Issues

• Low Frequency of Use: For the vast majority of vehicle owners, the frequency of use may be low. This is because service areas are available every 60 to 100 kilometers on highways, making it relatively rare to be unable to find a restroom.
• Poor Toilet Experience: Completing the process of pulling out the toilet, putting on a toilet seat cover, using it, cleaning it, and storing it in a confined space takes at least 5 to 10 minutes, making the operation cumbersome and the experience unpleasant.
• Odor and Privacy Issues: Even with a negative pressure deodorization system, it is difficult to completely isolate odors in a confined vehicle cabin. Although a foldable privacy curtain is provided, the limited independent space in the vehicle results in limited privacy protection.

Positioning and Development

In-car toilets are more akin to emergency equipment, similar in positioning to spare tires, first aid kits, or fire extinguishers. They are not used most of the time, but when needed, they are irreplaceable and serve as supplementary solutions for specific pain points. Moreover, the concept is not entirely new; over a decade ago, attempts were made to integrate toilet structures into car seats, and some automakers have previously launched in-car toilet accessories. This time, an automaker has achieved a technological breakthrough by designing the toilet as part of the vehicle structure.