Bathing Supply Height Clamp Assembly for Low-Force Tube Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional height adjustment mechanisms for bathing supplies, such as threading connections and spring-loaded locking mechanisms, are not user-friendly for individuals with disabilities or those with limited muscle strength, as they require significant manual force for operation and release.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment assembly featuring a joint with a pivotally connected clamping plate and a spring sandwiched between the clamping plate and the tube, along with a pad for increased holding force, and an adjustment handle with a slanted surface to facilitate easy rotation and secure engagement, allowing for effortless height adjustment of a tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threading connection or spring-loaded locking mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the tube can be securely positioned, but significant manual force is required for operation and release
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamping plate automatically engages with the tube when the adjustment handle is rotated, securing the tube without requiring the user to manually apply force to a locking mechanism. The system serves itself by using the rotation motion to both release and secure the tube position simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment handle acts as an intermediary that converts rotational motion into linear motion of the clamping plate. By rotating the handle, the user indirectly controls the clamping plate's engagement with the tube through the slanted surface mechanism, avoiding direct manipulation of the clamping force.
2Reliability
If greater force is applied to ensure tube position in spring-loaded mechanism, then tube positioning is more secure, but greater force is required to release the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping force is dynamic rather than static. The spring-loaded clamping plate automatically adjusts its engagement force based on the tube's position, maintaining secure holding without requiring excessive force. When the adjustment handle is rotated, the clamping force is naturally released without requiring additional user force.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism operates through periodic rotation of the handle, which periodically engages and disengages the clamping plate. This periodic action allows the user to easily cycle between securing and releasing the tube position by simply rotating the handle back and forth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then height adjustment is achievable, but operation is difficult for handicapped personnel with arm or hand disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism performs the complex task of securing the tube automatically through the spring-loaded clamping plate, which engages and holds the tube without requiring the user to manually manipulate locking components. This self-service feature makes the system accessible to users with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical threading or manual locking mechanism is replaced with a spring-loaded automated clamping system. This substitution eliminates the need for users to apply significant manual force to threading connections or locking mechanisms, replacing them with a system that uses spring force for securing and simple rotation for release.
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
Enables secure and effortless height adjustment of bathing supplies, making it accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities or limited strength, without the need for excessive force, promoting user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring adapted to be sandwiched between the clamping plate and the outer periphery of the tube to increase holding force to the tube
Implementation Method 2
a pad adapted to be sandwiched between the spring and the outer periphery of the tube to increase holding force to the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustment assembly includes a joint having a through hole defined therethrough, a tube insertable through the through hole, at least one clamping plate with one distal end thereof pivotally connected to the joint to securely engage with an outer periphery of the tube and an adjustment handle movably connected to the joint and having at least one annular ear integrally formed with the adjustment handle to enclose a distal end of the joint so as to enclose therein a free end of the clamping plate, a block formed inside the at least one annular to securely engage with the free end of the clamping plate such that rotation of the adjustment handle forces the clamping plate away from engagement with the outer periphery of the tube to allow the tube to move relative to the joint.