Control system for a bathing aid, bathing system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bathing procedures pose challenges for elderly and disabled individuals due to inaccessible bathroom designs and the risk of accidents, requiring assistance that can be hazardous for both the individual and the helper, and is often embarrassing.
Innovation Solution
A control system for a bathing aid featuring a telescopic element, actuation system, and water supply system that allows for safe and convenient control of seat movement and water provision, enabling independent bathing with customizable settings and automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bathtub or shower is used, then the bathing arrangement is simple and inexpensive, but it is inaccessible and dangerous for elderly and disabled persons
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer seat acts as an intermediary device between the bathroom floor and the bathing enclosure. The seat is positioned on a telescopic element that can extend to bridge the gap to the bathtub or shower, allowing the user to transfer safely without direct contact with the enclosure edges or requiring assistance from others.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic element providing support for the transfer seat is dynamically adjustable. It can extend outward to facilitate easier access to the bathing enclosure and retract when not needed, adapting the system's configuration to the user's requirements while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
2Ease of operation
If assistance is obtained from staff or assistants, then the person can be helped with bathing, but the assistant is exposed to heavy lifting and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer seat system enables the user to perform the transfer operation independently without requiring physical assistance from others. The automated telescopic mechanism provides the necessary mechanical advantage, allowing the user to transfer their own weight safely into and out of the bathing enclosure without exposing anyone to heavy lifting risks.
3Ease of operation
If assistance is obtained from staff or assistants, then the person can be helped with bathing, but it becomes embarrassing and humiliating for the bather
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer seat system enables the user to perform the transfer operation independently without requiring physical assistance from others. The automated telescopic mechanism provides the necessary mechanical advantage, allowing the user to transfer their own weight safely into and out of the bathing enclosure without exposing anyone to heavy lifting risks.
4Ease of operation
If the seat is extended outside the bathing enclosure, then access is improved, but the control of water supply and seat movement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms to automatically coordinate seat position and water supply. Sensors detect when the telescopic element is extended or retracted and automatically adjust the water flow accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination and reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions through a single integrated interface: it controls both the telescopic element movement and the water supply system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate controls the user must manage, simplifying the overall interaction despite the system's capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A control system (810) for a bathing aid (100), wherein the bathing aid comprises a bathing enclosure (101), a telescopic element (110), a seat (120) and an actuation system (140) coupled to the telescopic element and the seat. The actuation system is configured to move the seat on the telescopic element along the horizontal axis between a retracted position of the seat within the bathing enclosure and an extended position of the seat outside the bathing enclosure. The bathing aid further comprises a water supply system (710) for a supply of water to the bathing enclosure. The control system is configured for communicative coupling to the actuation system and to the water supply system, and wherein the control system is configured to control a movement of the seat and configured to control a supply of water to the bathing enclosure.