Adjustable Showerhead Support System for Seated Bathing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly and temporarily limited individuals face challenges in bathing independently due to difficulty in standing for long periods, raising arms, and stabilizing showerheads, leading to messy and uncomfortable showering experiences.
Innovation Solution
A standalone adjustable showerhead support system that allows the showerhead to move laterally, up/down, and front/back along a track, providing three degrees of freedom and enabling users to position the showerhead for optimal access and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stationary clip holds the showerhead to the shower chair leg, then the showerhead is stabilized, but the user cannot reach all body parts and requires assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead support system replaces the fixed stationary clip with a dynamic adjustable mechanism that allows the showerhead to be positioned at multiple locations along a track system. The track extends over the shower chair seat and legs, enabling the showerhead to be moved to different heights and positions to accommodate various body parts, while still providing stable support when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into multiple segments including a base, vertical support, horizontal support, and track components. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve optimal showerhead positioning for different bathing needs, providing both stability and versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the user holds the showerhead during showering, then independence is maintained, but weakened muscles cannot stabilize it leading to messy water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The track system acts as an intermediary between the user and the showerhead. Instead of the user directly holding and stabilizing the showerhead with weakened muscles, the showerhead is supported by the track structure, which provides the necessary stabilization while allowing the user to easily position and adjust it independently.
3Ease of operation
If sponge bathing is used, then independence is maintained, but the person is exposed to air leading to cold and uncomfortable experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables true self-service showering by providing an adjustable showerhead that can be positioned within easy reach of the user on the shower chair. This allows the user to independently control water flow and positioning while remaining seated in the warm shower environment, eliminating the need for sponge bathing and associated comfort issues.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a stationary clip is used, then the showerhead is fixed in position, but the user cannot adjust it for optimal access to different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static fixed-position showerhead into a dynamic adjustable system. The track mechanism allows the showerhead to be moved along the track to different positions and heights, providing adaptability for various body parts while maintaining stable support at each positioned location.
Data Source
AI summary
A standalone adjustable showerhead support system for use in a shower where the user may require an assistant and/or a chair while showering. The showerhead support system includes a showerhead support assembly having a showered hose support, a showerhead support track, a showerhead support connector assembly, a showerhead support leg, and a showerhead support base. The standalone adjustable showerhead support system has three degrees of freedom as the showerhead can be moved front to back, up and down, and side to side. In this way, the showerhead support system can provide shower spray to most areas of the body.