Adjustable bathroom grab bar assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab bar assemblies for bathrooms lack flexibility in positioning and storage, making it difficult for users with mobility issues to adjust the grab bar to various angles and positions, and do not provide a convenient way to move the grab bar out of the way when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A grab bar assembly with first and second mounts that allow the handle to translate and rotate along a longitudinal axis, utilizing locking elements to secure the handle in multiple angular positions, and a method for installing the assembly that involves aligning mounts on a vertical axis and adjusting the grab bar's position by disengaging and re-engaging the locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grab bar is fixed in a single position, then the installation is simple and structurally stable, but the user cannot adjust it to various angles and positions needed for different mobility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The grab bar assembly transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by incorporating a handle that can pivot and translate within the mounts. The locking elements enable the handle to be positioned at multiple angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) while maintaining stability when locked, thus providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into separable components: mounts fixed to the wall, a movable handle with end regions, and locking elements. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently adjusted and locked at different positions, providing versatility while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grab bar is made adjustable to multiple positions, then user flexibility is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to be operated directly by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user can easily engage or disengage the locking elements to adjust the handle position, making the system self-service oriented and easy to operate despite having multiple adjustable positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grab bar is fixed securely to the wall, then structural stability is ensured, but the grab bar cannot be moved out of the way when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to pivot and translate within the mounts when the locking elements are disengaged, allowing the handle to be folded or repositioned for storage. When the locking elements are engaged, the handle is securely fixed, ensuring structural stability during use. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between storability and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the handle is allowed to rotate freely, then ease of positioning is improved, but the handle cannot be retained in selected positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements provide a feedback mechanism by engaging with the handle at specific angular positions. When the user rotates the handle to a desired position, the locking elements can be engaged to confirm and retain that position, providing tactile feedback and ensuring the handle remains stable in the selected position rather than rotating freely without control.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly and a method of installing the handle assembly are provided. The handle assembly has first and second mounts, and a handle with a handle portion extending between and connecting first and second end regions. The first and second end regions are received for translation along the longitudinal axis within the first and second mounts. First and second locking elements are connected to the first mount, and the handle, respectively. The handle has a first longitudinal position with the first and second locking elements engaged to retain the handle in one of a plurality of angular positions. The handle has a second longitudinal position with the first and second locking elements spaced apart from one another such that the handle and the second locking element are rotatable to change an angular position of the handle relative to the first and second mounts.