Portable Bathing Device With Inflatable Water Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bathing technologies for individuals with low to no mobility are large, cumbersome, and do not effectively assist caregivers with bed bath cleaning, nor do they utilize running water and shower nozzles to simulate shower-like conditions, thereby lacking in sanitation and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A portable bathing device comprising a water pumping mechanism with a rechargeable power source, a removable shower hose and nozzle, a bathing mat with soft perforated plastic and high-density foam to prevent water spillage, an air pump for inflation, and a wastewater collection system with a mesh filter for easy cleaning and sanitation, along with a carrying case for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current bathing technologies are used for individuals with low to no mobility, then bathing can be performed, but the devices are large and cumbersome making them difficult to operate and store
Solution Approach 1:
The bathing device is divided into multiple independent components: a collapsible bathing tub, a separate water pump system with rechargeable battery, a removable shower hose with nozzle, an air pump for inflation, and a wastewater collection system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and stored separately when not in use, reducing overall complexity and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bathing tub features an inflatable design with collapsible walls that can be expanded when needed and deflated for compact storage. The water pump system transitions from a stationary large-capacity pump to a portable rechargeable pump that can be moved and stored conveniently. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt between operational and storage states, reducing complexity during storage while maintaining functionality during use.
2Productivity
If current bathing technologies are used, then bathing can be performed, but they do not effectively assist caregivers with bed bath cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a shower hose with nozzle that allows the individual to direct water onto themselves for cleaning, reducing the physical burden on caregivers. The waterproof mesh seat with integrated wastewater collection system automatically channels dirty water into collection bags, eliminating the need for caregivers to manually handle soiled water. The air pump automatically inflates the tub boundaries to prevent water spillage, reducing caregiver intervention needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof mesh seat acts as an intermediary between the individual and the wastewater collection system, capturing debris and hair while allowing water to pass through to the collection bag. The rechargeable water pump serves as an intermediary that delivers water on demand to the shower nozzle, assisting the caregiver in providing thorough cleaning without requiring manual water handling.
3Reliability
If current bathing technologies are used, then bathing can be performed, but they do not use running water and shower nozzle to simulate shower-like conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a rechargeable water pump to deliver running water through a flexible hose with an adjustable nozzle, simulating shower conditions. The hydraulic system provides controlled water flow that can be directed precisely where needed. The air pump creates pneumatic pressure to inflate the tub boundaries and prevent water spillage, adding to the overall hydraulic-pneumatic system that enhances sanitation while maintaining manageable complexity through portable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof mesh seat uses porous material structure with varying aperture sizes to filter debris and hair from wastewater while allowing water to pass through to the collection system. This porous filtration mechanism enhances sanitation by preventing organic matter from entering the wastewater bag, while the mesh design maintains simplicity by being a single integrated component that is easy to clean and replace.
4Reliability
If a bathing mat is used to prevent water spillage, then water containment is improved, but water may still spill over the boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump inflates the tub boundaries before water is introduced, creating a raised barrier that prevents water from reaching the edges and spilling over. This pre-inflation cushioning ensures that even when water is poured or sprayed during bathing, the inflated boundaries contain the water within the designated bathing area, eliminating spillage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the air pump continuously maintains inflation pressure in the tub boundaries. The system monitors the inflation state and adjusts air pressure as needed to ensure the boundaries remain sufficiently elevated to contain water, providing real-time feedback control that adapts to different water volumes and bathing activities to prevent spillage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safe and thorough bathing for individuals with low mobility by providing a portable, efficient, and hygienic solution that prevents water spillage and promotes relaxation, while allowing for easy disposal and sanitation of wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
a water pumping mechanism comprised in a water bag... the water pump comprising a rechargeable power source chargeable with a USB charger... the removable shower hose and nozzle fluidly coupled to the water pump to receive the water, which is then dispensed through a shower head
Implementation Method 2
an air pump that inflates a boundary portion of the bathing mat disposed along a periphery of the bathing mat to ensure water does not spill over
Implementation Method 3
The horizontal reservoir may include a mesh filter covering the reservoir that collects debris and hair
Implementation Method 4
a suction mechanism that pulls water from the horizontal reservoir through a detachable tube into a wastewater bag
Implementation Method 5
an internal layer of the bathing mat may include soft perforated plastic comprising vertical perforations that serve as tributaries to direct water flow... A horizontal tributary at the bottom of the mat forms a reservoir that collects the wastewater
Data Source
AI summary
The bathing device is an apparatus intended for facilitating bathing for an individual with low mobility or those who are bed-bound is disclosed. To accomplish this, the apparatus includes a bathing unit, a water pumping system, and a water disposal system. The water pumping system may include a removable shower hose and nozzle fluidly coupled to a water pump to receive the water, which is then dispensed through a shower head to clean the patient. An air pump that inflates a boundary portion of the bathing mat is disposed along a periphery of the bathing mat to ensure water does not spill over. Further, a plurality of tributaries integrated on the mat direct the waterflow. Furthermore, a wastewater bag that collects used wastewater from a horizontal reservoir on the mat may be easily disposed of, and the wastewater bag may be removed and sanitized for future use.