Handrail and intelligent toilet system

By integrating human status detection sensors and communication units into the handrails, the problem of not being able to provide timely assistance to elderly people who have fallen is solved, enabling remote monitoring and timely rescue for the elderly and improving their safety in life.

CN224483855UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-14LIXIL (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
LIXIL (CHINA) INVESTMENT CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-19
Publication Date
2026-07-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When elderly people fall in key areas such as restrooms, they cannot receive timely assistance, especially those living alone, as current technology lacks effective intelligent assistance and remote monitoring methods.

Method used

Design a handrail with adjustable position, integrating human body status detection sensors, a communication unit, and a lighting unit. The handrail collects data through sensors to detect falls and communicates with third-party emergency contacts in emergencies to provide timely rescue.

Benefits of technology

It enables remote monitoring of the elderly, timely detection and handling of abnormal situations such as falls, and improves the safety and convenience of the elderly's lives.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application provides a handrail and an intelligent toilet system, the handrail comprising: a body comprising a fixed part and a supporting part movably connected with the fixed part, the position of the supporting part relative to the fixed part being adjustable; a human body state detection sensor installed on the body and used for collecting data of a human body state; and a communication unit arranged on the body. The handrail provided by the above scheme can provide auxiliary support for daily activities of the elderly and perform state detection, which helps to realize remote monitoring of the elderly, grasp the condition of the elderly at any time, and give timely care and rescue when an abnormal situation such as falling occurs.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of handrail technology, and in particular to a handrail and intelligent toilet system. Background Technology

[0002] As people age, the probability of accidental injuries increases. Elderly people are particularly prone to falls in vulnerable areas such as restrooms. When an elderly person falls, especially someone living alone, the inability to contact family members promptly often results in missed opportunities for timely assistance. Currently, there is an urgent need for intelligent products to provide support for the daily activities of the elderly and to monitor their physical condition. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a handrail that assists the daily activities of the elderly and detects their physical condition, thereby enabling remote monitoring of the elderly and allowing for timely care and rescue in case of falls or other abnormal situations.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a handrail, including: a body, including a fixing part and a support part movably connected to the fixing part, the position of the support part relative to the fixing part being adjustable; a human body state detection sensor, installed on the body, for collecting human body state data; and a communication unit, disposed on the body.

[0005] Optionally, the human body state detection sensor includes at least one of the following: an infrared sensor; a millimeter-wave radar sensor; a lidar sensor; and a camera.

[0006] Optionally, the support portion and the fixing portion are connected by a universal joint.

[0007] Optionally, the handrail may further include a lighting unit disposed on the body.

[0008] Optionally, the handrail further includes a brightness sensor disposed on the body for detecting ambient brightness, and the output signal of the brightness sensor is used to control the lighting unit.

[0009] Optionally, the handrail further includes a human body sensor for detecting human activity, wherein the output signal of the human body sensor is used to control the lighting unit.

[0010] Optionally, the handrail further includes a communication unit trigger, which is communicatively connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit trigger includes any one of the following: a pull cord or a button.

[0011] Optionally, the body is provided with a microphone and / or a speaker.

[0012] Optionally, the handrail may also include a processor disposed on the body, which is communicatively connected to the human body state detection sensor to receive and process data on the human body state.

[0013] Optionally, an alarm device may be provided on the main body.

[0014] Optionally, at least a portion of the surface of the body is provided with anti-slip parts.

[0015] This application also provides an intelligent bathroom system, including a toilet; and any of the above-mentioned handrails, wherein the handrails are installed on the wall or mounting bracket of the bathroom and are located within a preset range centered on the toilet.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model embodiment has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The handrail consists of a fixed part and a support part, which are movably connected to the fixed part, allowing users to adjust the position of the support part relative to the fixed part according to their actual needs. A human body status detection sensor installed on the handrail can collect data on human body status. A communication unit is also provided on the handrail. Thus, the combination of the human body status detection sensor and the communication unit aims to detect the user's status and meet communication needs, thereby providing assistance and monitoring of the user's daily activities. For elderly users, this facilitates remote monitoring, allowing for real-time understanding of their condition and enabling timely care and assistance in case of falls or other abnormal situations, adding peace of mind and convenience to their lives. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a handrail according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another handrail in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a handrail according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another type of handrail in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A diagram taken from another upward-looking perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and beneficial effects of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] See Figures 1 to 5 This application provides a handrail 100, which includes a body 10, a human body state detection sensor 20, and a communication unit 30. The body 10 includes a fixing part 11 and a support part 12 movably connected to the fixing part 11, the position of the support part 12 relative to the fixing part 11 being adjustable. The human body state detection sensor 20 is mounted on the body 10 and is used to collect human body state data. The communication unit 30 is disposed on the body 10. Figure 1 The dotted line portion in the diagram is a schematic diagram of the support part 12 after its position has been adjusted relative to the fixed part 11.

[0025] As shown in the above scheme, the main body 10 of the handrail 100 includes a fixed part 11 and a supporting part 12. The supporting part 12 is movably connected to the fixed part 11, which helps the user adjust the position of the supporting part 12 relative to the fixed part 11 according to actual usage needs, so that the position of the supporting part 12 is in a comfortable position for the user. The human body status detection sensor 20 installed on the main body 10 can collect human body status data. A communication unit 30 is provided on the main body 10. Thus, by cooperating with the human body status detection sensor 20 and the communication unit 30, it is expected to realize the detection of the user's status and meet the communication needs, thereby providing auxiliary support and human body status detection for the user's daily activities. When the user is an elderly person, it helps to realize remote monitoring of the elderly, keep track of the elderly person's status at any time, so that in case of abnormal situations such as falls, a third-party emergency contact can be contacted in time to provide timely care and rescue for the elderly person, adding peace of mind and convenience to the elderly person's life.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support portion 12 and the fixing portion 11 are connected by a universal joint. This allows for adjustment of the position of the support portion 12 relative to the fixing portion 11. It is understood that the support portion 12 and the fixing portion 11 can also be connected using a position-adjustable connection structure such as a ball joint.

[0027] In a typical scenario, the fixing part 11 can be fixed to a wall. For example, in a bathroom setting, the fixing part 11 can be fixed to the wall near the toilet, or to the wall near the shower. Similarly, in a public corridor setting, the fixing part 11 can be fixed to the corridor wall. And in a living room setting, the fixing part 11 can be fixed to the living room wall. Understandably, the fixing part 11 can also be fixed to other suitable locations, depending on the actual application scenario of the handrail 100.

[0028] The support part 12 is used to provide a point of leverage for the user. The support part 12 can be in the shape of a rod or a plate, or other suitable shapes.

[0029] In specific implementations, the human body state detection sensor 20 includes at least one of the following: an infrared sensor; a millimeter-wave radar sensor; a lidar sensor; a camera, etc.

[0030] Infrared sensors can be mounted on the body 10 of the handrail 100. For example, the infrared sensor can be mounted on the fixing part 11. Furthermore, the infrared sensor is positioned at a certain height above the ground to ensure the coverage of its detection area. The infrared sensor collects temperature data within the detection area, determines whether a person is present in the area based on the obtained temperature data, and further determines one or more pieces of information such as the user's posture and location. Information such as the user's posture and location can be used to determine if the user has fallen. Infrared sensors are suitable for sensitive areas such as bathrooms, offering good privacy protection.

[0031] A millimeter-wave radar sensor is mounted on the body 10 of the handrail 100. For example, the millimeter-wave radar sensor is mounted on the fixing part 11. Furthermore, the millimeter-wave radar sensor is positioned at a certain height above the ground to ensure the coverage of its detection area. The millimeter-wave radar sensor sends millimeter-wave radar waves into the detection area and receives the reflected millimeter-wave radar waves. Based on the received reflected millimeter-wave radar waves, it determines whether there is a person in the target area and determines information such as the user's posture and position. The user's posture and position are used to determine whether a fall has occurred. The millimeter-wave radar sensor can be used in sensitive areas such as bathrooms, offering good privacy protection.

[0032] A lidar sensor is mounted on the body 10 of the handrail 100. For example, the lidar sensor is mounted on the fixing part 11. Furthermore, the lidar sensor is positioned at a certain height above the ground to ensure the coverage of its detection area. The lidar sensor identifies objects and calculates their distance by emitting laser pulses into the detection area and measuring the reflected light signals. Based on the distance data of different objects, it determines whether a person is present and identifies the user's posture, position, and other information. This information is used to confirm whether a fall has occurred. The lidar sensor can be used in sensitive areas such as bathrooms, offering good privacy protection.

[0033] The camera is mounted on the handrail 100 and positioned at a certain height above the ground. The camera captures images within its detection area. By analyzing these images, it can determine whether someone is present in the detection area and identify the user's posture and location. This information is used to confirm whether a fall has occurred. Considering privacy requirements, the camera can be used in public areas such as living rooms and public corridors.

[0034] When the camera is used in privacy-sensitive areas such as restrooms, it only activates or removes any obstructions when a fall is detected based on data collected by infrared sensors, millimeter-wave radar sensors, or lidar sensors. The camera then captures an image to further confirm whether a fall has occurred, improving the accuracy of fall detection. At other times, the camera is either off or obstructed. "Other times" refers to periods when no fall is detected. Obstruction can be physical. For example, the camera body may have a movable barrier that can be moved in front of the camera lens to physically block it.

[0035] In practical implementation, fall detection can be performed based on the human body status data detected by the human body status detection sensor 20. Specifically, fall detection can be performed based on human body status data collected by one or more of the following: infrared sensors, millimeter-wave radar sensors, lidar sensors, and cameras.

[0036] In some embodiments, the handrail 100 further includes an illumination unit 40. The illumination unit 40 is disposed on the body 10. The illumination unit 40 can be a light strip or a single light-emitting diode (LED) light. The illumination unit 40 can be disposed on the fixing part 11 of the body 10 or on the support part 12. The illumination unit 40 can be disposed along the edge of the fixing part 11 or the support part 12 to clearly display the outline of the fixing part 11 or the support part 12, making it easier for users to accurately and quickly locate the handrail 100 in dimly lit scenarios or when the user's vision is poor.

[0037] In some embodiments, the handrail 100 further includes a brightness sensor 50. The brightness sensor 50 is disposed on the body 10 and is used to detect ambient brightness. The output signal of the brightness sensor 50 is used to control the lighting unit 40. The output signal of the brightness sensor 50 characterizes the ambient brightness. When the ambient brightness is less than or equal to a set brightness threshold, the brightness sensor 50 outputs a first brightness signal, which can control the lighting unit 40 to turn on. When the ambient brightness is greater than the set brightness threshold, the brightness sensor 50 outputs a second brightness signal, which can control the lighting unit 40 to turn off. Thus, when the ambient brightness is relatively dim, the lighting unit 40 can be automatically turned on without requiring manual activation by the user, improving the user experience.

[0038] The brightness sensor 50 can be any one or more of the following: photoresistor, infrared light sensor, visible light sensor, etc.

[0039] The handrail 100 also includes a human body sensor 60. The human body sensor 60 is used to detect human activity, and its output signal is used to control the lighting unit 40. For example, when the human body sensor 60 detects a user approaching, it outputs a first signal to control the lighting unit 40 to turn on. When the human body sensor 60 detects a user moving away, it outputs a second signal to control the lighting unit 40 to turn off. This allows the lighting unit 40 to automatically turn on when a user approaches and automatically turn off when the user moves away, improving the intelligence of the lighting unit 40's on / off operation and its matching with the user's actual needs, thus enhancing the user experience. For example, when the human body sensor 60 detects a user approaching, and the distance between the user and the handrail 100 is less than or equal to a set distance threshold, the human body sensor 60 outputs a first signal to control the lighting unit 40 to turn on. When the human body sensor 60 detects that the user is moving away and the distance between the user and the handrail 100 is greater than a set distance threshold, the human body sensor 60 outputs a second signal to control the lighting unit 40 to turn off.

[0040] The human body sensing sensor 60 may include one or more of the following: infrared sensor, radar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, microwave sensor, capacitive sensor, pyroelectric sensor, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, the lighting unit 40 can be controlled based on the output signals of the brightness sensor 50 and the human body sensor 60. When the ambient brightness is less than or equal to a set brightness threshold, the human body sensor 60 detects a user approaching, and the distance between the user and the handrail 100 is less than or equal to a set distance threshold, the lighting unit 40 is controlled to illuminate. That is, the lighting unit 40 is controlled to illuminate based on the first brightness signal output by the brightness sensor 50 and the first signal output by the human body sensor 60. The lighting unit 40 is not illuminated when either the ambient brightness is less than or equal to the set brightness threshold or the human body sensor 60 detects a user approaching and the distance between the user and the handrail 100 is less than or equal to the set distance threshold. Thus, the lighting unit 40 is only illuminated when the environment is dark and the user is actually approaching, and not illuminated when the user is merely passing by or when the lighting is good during the day. This improves the rationality of illuminating the lighting unit 40 and prevents it from being accidentally illuminated.

[0042] In some embodiments, the handrail 100 further includes a communication unit trigger 70, which is communicatively connected to the communication unit 30. The communication unit trigger 70 includes any one of the following: a pull cord 71 and a button 72.

[0043] When the communication unit trigger 70 is detected by the user, the communication unit 30 communicates with a third-party emergency contact. For example, the communication unit 30 sends an SMS message or makes a voice call (VoLTE) to the third-party emergency contact. The contact information of the third-party emergency contact can be pre-set, or the remote communication tool used can be pre-bound. The third-party emergency contact can be the user's children, friends, community caregivers, public rescue centers, etc. The SMS message content can be text, voice, or an alarm message, etc.

[0044] The communication unit 30 can send text messages to one or more third-party emergency contacts.

[0045] When communication unit 30 makes a voice call to a third-party emergency contact, if the first contact does not answer, it can continue to make a voice call to a second third-party emergency contact until a successful contact is made. It can contact third-party emergency contacts randomly or according to priority levels. The priority levels can be updated based on historical contact information and the number of successful contacts, with higher-priority contacts being contacted first.

[0046] For example, when the user pulls the cord 71, the communication unit 30 communicates with a third-party emergency contact. Similarly, when the user presses or triggers button 72, the communication unit 30 also communicates with a third-party emergency contact. Button 72 can be a physical button or a virtual button.

[0047] The communication unit 30 can be a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GSM module, etc. The GSM module can enable 4G or 5G mobile communication. The communication unit 30 can also be a local server. The local server can be a long-range radio (LoRa) gateway in a community center, a Zigbee technology gateway for home use, etc.

[0048] Third-party emergency contacts can receive text messages sent by communication unit 30 via mobile application software (APP), computer or other remote communication tools.

[0049] In some embodiments, the body 10 is provided with a microphone 81 and / or a speaker 82.

[0050] Microphone 81 can collect the user's voice data. Furthermore, when the communication unit 30 communicates with a third-party emergency contact, microphone 81 can use the user's voice data to enable a two-way voice call, helping the third-party emergency contact understand the user's current status and facilitating precise rescue efforts.

[0051] The speaker 82 can play sound. For example, when the communication unit 30 is communicating with a third-party emergency contact, the voice of the third-party emergency contact can be played to enable a two-way voice call between the two parties.

[0052] The handrail 100 also includes a processor 83 disposed on the body 10, which is communicatively connected to the human body state detection sensor 20 to receive and process data on the human body state.

[0053] The processor 83 can also parse the voice data collected by the microphone 81. The output of the processor 83 is used to control the communication unit 30. For example, when the parsed result includes a specified rescue command, the control unit communicates with a third-party emergency contact. This helps the third-party emergency contact to provide timely assistance to the user, improving the user's safety. In particular, for elderly people living alone who fall in areas such as the bathroom or living room, they can communicate with the third-party emergency contact by shouting "Help!" or "Call for help!" to achieve proactive rescue.

[0054] The main body 10 is equipped with an alarm device 84. The alarm device 84 can be an audible and visual alarm device, used to emit a sound alarm or a light alarm. When it is determined that a user has fallen, the audible and visual alarm device can alert other people nearby so that they can take appropriate rescue measures in a timely manner.

[0055] In specific implementations, at least a portion of the surface of the body 10 is provided with anti-slip parts. These anti-slip parts can be concave-convex structures, raised dot structures, striped structures, etc., provided on the body 10, or they can be an anti-slip layer covering the body 10. The anti-slip parts ensure stable grip even in humid environments, giving the armrest 100 excellent grip comfort, preventing hand fatigue or discomfort even after prolonged use.

[0056] In some embodiments, the handrail 100 may further include a power module 85, which may be disposed on the body 10. The power module 85 is used to supply power to the human body state detection sensor 20, the communication unit 30, the microphone 81, the speaker 82, the alarm device 84, the brightness sensor 50, the human body induction sensor 60, etc. The power module 85 may be a wired power module 85, a wireless power module 85, or a battery-powered power module 85.

[0057] In addition, the handrail 100 may also be equipped with a pressure sensor and a lifting device. The lifting device is connected to the support part 12 and is used to adjust the height of the support part 12. The pressure sensor may be located on the support part 12, and the output signal of the pressure sensor is used to control the lifting device. For example, when the pressure value collected by the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a preset pressure threshold, a first pressure signal is output. The first pressure signal is used to control the lifting device to rise, so as to provide assistance when the user stands up. The handrail 100 can simulate the effect of manual assistance and improve the user experience.

[0058] The armrest 100 may also include one or more of the following: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a heart rate sensor. The humidity sensor detects ambient humidity. The temperature sensor detects ambient temperature. The heart rate sensor detects the user's heart rate when the user holds the armrest 100. The processor 83 further determines the user's status based on the heart rate detected by the heart rate sensor. An alert is output when the user's heart rate is abnormal. Abnormal heart rate may include a heart rate increase greater than or equal to a first threshold, or a heart rate decrease greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0059] This application also provides an intelligent bathroom system, including a toilet; and a handrail 100 provided in any of the above embodiments. The handrail 100 is disposed on the wall or mounting bracket of the bathroom, and the handrail 100 is located within a preset range centered on the toilet.

[0060] The specific structure of the handrail 100 can be referred to the description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A handrail, characterized in that, include: The body includes a fixing part and a support part movably connected to the fixing part, wherein the position of the support part relative to the fixing part is adjustable; A human body status detection sensor is installed on the main body to collect data on the human body status; A communication unit is disposed on the main body.

2. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The human body state detection sensor includes at least one of the following: Infrared sensor; Millimeter-wave radar sensor; LiDAR sensor; Camera.

3. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support part and the fixing part are connected by a universal joint.

4. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An illumination unit is provided on the main body.

5. The handrail as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A brightness sensor is disposed on the main body for detecting ambient brightness, and the output signal of the brightness sensor is used to control the lighting unit.

6. The handrail as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A human body sensor is used to detect human activity, wherein the output signal of the human body sensor is used to control the lighting unit.

7. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A communication unit trigger is communicatively connected to the communication unit, and the communication unit trigger includes any one of the following: a pull cord or a button.

8. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is equipped with a microphone and / or a speaker.

9. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a processor disposed in the body, which is communicatively connected to the human body state detection sensor to receive and process the human body state data.

10. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An alarm device is installed on the main body.

11. The handrail as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the surface of the body is provided with anti-slip parts.

12. An intelligent toilet system, characterized in that, include: toilet; And a handrail as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the handrail is disposed on the wall or mounting bracket of the bathroom and the handrail is located within a predetermined range centered on the toilet.