Waterproof Assistance Device for Care Receiver Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistance devices struggle to thoroughly wash the buttocks and periphery of a care receiver while reducing the physical burden on caregivers during bathing, as they are difficult to use in a seated position and require significant support from caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof assistance device with a support section that lifts and lowers the upper body of the care receiver, allowing for thorough washing of the buttocks and periphery while reducing caregiver burden, by supporting the upper body from the front and enabling easy weight transfer onto the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a caregiver supports the care receiver whose buttocks are lifted while another caregiver washes the buttocks, then the washing can be performed, but the physical burden on the first caregiver is large
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the caregiver and the care receiver. The support section lifts and supports the care receiver's upper body, transferring the physical burden from the caregiver to the device. This allows the caregiver to wash the buttocks without bearing the full weight of the care receiver, thus reducing physical burden while maintaining washing capability.
2Ease of operation
If the care receiver remains seated in the wheelchair, then mobility is maintained, but the buttocks and periphery cannot be thoroughly washed
Solution Approach 1:
The assistance device enables dynamic repositioning of the care receiver from a seated position to a lifted position where the buttocks are exposed. The support section can be adjusted to lift the upper body, creating a dynamic positioning system that allows access to areas that would be inaccessible while seated. This dynamic adjustment enables thorough washing without requiring the care receiver to remain in a fixed seated position.
3Ease of operation
If a caregiver supports the upper body of the care receiver, then the care receiver can be washed, but the caregiver must bear the weight of the care receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The support section acts as an intermediary that bears the weight of the care receiver's upper body. Instead of the caregiver directly supporting the weight, the device transfers this load to its own support structure. This intermediary mechanism allows the caregiver to perform washing tasks without bearing the full weight of the care receiver, thus reducing the weight burden while maintaining washing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The assistance method using an assistance device including a base, a support section configured to lift and lower the upper body of a care receiver with respect to the base while supporting the upper body of the care receiver from the front, and a driving section configured to drive the support section. The assistance device is configured to be waterproof. The assistance method includes a boarding step for boarding the seated care receiver onto the assistance device; and a rear side washing step for washing the body of the care receiver while the buttocks of the care receiver is lifted by lifting the support section.