Adhesive-Bonded Bath Handhold to Replace Suction and Fastener Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional safety grab handles for bath enclosures, such as suction cup and mechanically-fastened models, are unreliable and difficult to install, often failing to provide secure handholds on uneven surfaces and requiring skilled installation, which can damage surfaces and pose safety risks, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a handle coupled with a support substrate and adhesive layers that securely attach to shower or bath surfaces without damaging them, allowing for easy installation and placement optimization, using self-adhesive tapes and moisture-cure silicone adhesives to provide a strong and durable handhold capable of supporting over 250 pounds of force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction cup grab handles are used, then installation is simple, but reliability is poor and they cannot hold full body weight on textured surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support substrate is divided into multiple adhesive zones with different adhesive layers (first adhesive layer for initial bonding, second adhesive layer for enhanced bonding after curing), allowing each zone to contribute differently to the overall holding capacity while maintaining simple installation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite adhesive structure combining pressure-sensitive adhesive (first adhesive layer) and curing adhesive (second adhesive layer) on the support substrate, creating a multi-layer composite system that achieves both easy installation and high reliability by leveraging the complementary properties of different adhesives
2Reliability
If mechanically-fastened grab handles are used, then reliability is high, but installation is difficult and requires skilled installers
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fastening system (drilling, screws, anchors) is replaced with an adhesive bonding system consisting of support substrate with dual adhesive layers, eliminating the need for drilling and mechanical fasteners while achieving equivalent or superior holding capacity through chemical bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding mechanism is changed from mechanical (physical interlocking through fasteners) to chemical (adhesive bonding through curing process), fundamentally altering the installation process from skill-intensive mechanical work to simple application and curing
3Strength
If mechanically-fastened grab handles are used, then holding capacity is sufficient, but surface damage occurs and permanent alteration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system converts the potential harm of surface damage into benefit by using the adhesive layers to bond to the surface without penetration or alteration, actually protecting the surface from the harmful effects of drilling and mechanical fastening while maintaining strong holding capacity
4Ease of operation
If traditional safety grab handles are used, then they provide handhold function, but they foster false security and frequently fail without notice
Solution Approach 1:
The support substrate with adhesive layers is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily removed and reinstalled, allowing users to replace it if adhesive failure is suspected, providing a practical solution to the false security problem without requiring complex monitoring systems
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
The system provides a secure and reliable handhold on various surfaces, including textured and uneven ones, without damaging the surface, and can be easily installed by users of all skill levels, enhancing safety and stability in bath enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive layer for coupling the support substrate to the shower surface or the bath surface... a second adhesive layer for coupling the support substrate to the shower surface or the bath surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and devices including handholds that can be added to bath enclosures to improve safety of the user. The handhold can be securely attached to a shower surface or a bath surface. A handle is configured to provide the handhold by allowing a user to grasp thereto. A support substrate is coupled to the handle providing a rigid base. A first adhesive layer couples the support substrate to the shower surface or the bath surface and is configured to support the weight of the system upon mounting the system to the shower surface or the bath surface. A second adhesive layer couples the support substrate to the shower surface or the bath surface and is configured to support the weight of the system and a weight applied by the user after curing.