A toilet support frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for weighing infirm or elderly patients are inefficient and pose risks, as they often require unnecessary movement, which can lead to falls and inaccurate weight measurements, especially in hospital and care settings where space and staff resources are limited.
Innovation Solution
A toilet support frame equipped with a weight sensor that allows patients to be weighed while seated, incorporating a foot plate and seat with integrated weight measurement, reducing the need for additional handling and providing accurate weight data within an existing routine, such as using the toilet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional weighing methods (chair scales or stand on scales) are used, then weight measurement is achieved, but patient movement is required which increases fall risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weighing function with the toilet frame by integrating weight sensors into the seat structure. This merging allows the toilet frame to perform both its traditional support function and the additional function of weight measurement, eliminating the need for separate weighing operations that would require patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The toilet frame is transformed into a multi-functional device that serves both as a support structure and a weighing device. The weight sensors integrated into the seat enable the toilet frame to measure patient weight automatically, making it a universal solution that addresses both sanitation and monitoring needs without requiring additional equipment or patient movement.
2Measurement precision
If hoists are used for weighing, then weight measurement is achieved, but time consumption and staff resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet frame with integrated weight sensors enables automatic weight measurement that requires no manual intervention. The system self-records the patient's weight as they naturally use the toilet, eliminating the need for staff to operate hoists or manual scales, thereby saving significant time and reducing dependency on staff resources.
3Measurement precision
If floor scales are used, then weight measurement is achieved, but space requirements and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is extracted from the traditional floor scale and integrated directly into the toilet frame structure. This extraction eliminates the need for separate, space-consuming floor scales while maintaining accurate weight measurement capability within the compact toilet frame design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate and efficient weight measurement of patients without the need for additional handling, reducing the risk of falls and improving staff efficiency by integrating weighing into the patient's routine activities, thus enhancing patient safety and care quality.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor configured to measure the weight of the patient when the patient is sat on the seat
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a toilet frame for measuring the weight of a patient when the patient is sat on the toilet frame. The toilet frame comprises a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame. The seat comprises an aperture for receiving bodily fluids such that the patient may go to the toilet. The toilet frame further comprises a foot plate for supporting the patient's feet. Weight sensors are positioned under the seat and the foot plate such that when a patient sits on the toilet frame the weight of the patient may be measured.