Bath Bench Transfer Extension With Dual-Axis Hinge Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bath benches do not effectively facilitate safe and easy entry and exit from bathtubs, particularly for individuals with limited mobility, as they lack adjustable and versatile designs that accommodate different bathtub sizes and user needs.
Innovation Solution
The bath bench features a mounting member coupled to a wall above the bathtub, with a primary deck and telescoping legs that pivot to extend over the bathtub floor, and a secondary deck with dual-axis hinges allowing it to pivot and adjust positions for user transfer, including a configuration that allows a shower curtain to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bath benches are used, then the structure is simple, but they do not effectively facilitate safe and easy entry and exit from bathtubs for individuals with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The bath bench is divided into multiple functional segments: a primary deck for sitting, a secondary transfer deck for lateral movement, telescoping legs for height adjustment, and pivot mechanisms for position changes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, facilitating safe entry and exit while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The bath bench incorporates dynamic elements including telescoping legs that can extend and retract, pivot mechanisms that allow the decks to rotate between horizontal and vertical positions, and a secondary deck that can be positioned at multiple angles. These dynamic features enable the bench to adapt to different user needs and bathtub configurations, improving ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design bath bench is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it does not accommodate different bathtub sizes and user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The bath bench is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various bathtub sizes and user needs through its adjustable features. The telescoping legs allow height adjustment to fit different bathtub depths, the pivot mechanisms enable positioning at various angles, and the secondary deck can be configured for different transfer requirements. This multi-functionality is achieved while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through the use of standardized mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The bath bench utilizes parameter changes to achieve adaptability: the leg length can be changed via telescoping mechanisms, the deck angles can be changed via pivot joints, and the overall configuration can be changed by adjusting the secondary deck position. These parameter adjustments allow the same basic structure to adapt to different bathtub sizes and user requirements without requiring multiple custom-designed units
3Ease of operation
If the secondary deck extends over the lateral rim of the bathtub, then it facilitates user transfer, but it blocks the passage of a shower curtain
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary deck is designed as a dynamic component that can be positioned in multiple configurations. It can be extended horizontally over the bathtub rim to facilitate user transfer, or it can be folded downward or repositioned to allow shower curtain passage. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to adjust the deck position based on the immediate need - either for transfer assistance or for curtain access
Data Source
AI summary
This application includes embodiments of apparatuses (e.g., bath benches) for improving accessibility to a bathtub. Some embodiments include a bath bench with a primary deck and a folding lateral transfer extension (secondary deck). The secondary deck may be coupled to the primary deck by a dual-axis hinge.