Suction Handle Vacuum Loss Warning for Reliable Bathroom Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handle arrangements that rely on suction for support in bathroom areas can experience reduced holding force due to vacuum loss over time, leading to accidents when users rely on them for stability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a vacuum loss indicator device that alerts users to reduced suction by moving a mechanically or electrically actuated indicator element into a clearly visible position, providing a safety warning and prompting reattachment for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the handle arrangement is held by suction on a flat surface for an extended time, then the handle arrangement provides continuous support, but the vacuum is reduced over time due to diffusion leading to reduced holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vacuum loss indicator device that provides visual feedback to the user about the current vacuum level. The indicator element changes position or color based on the vacuum level, allowing users to monitor the suction status and know when reattachment is needed, thus maintaining reliability over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device warns users in advance before complete vacuum loss occurs. By showing vacuum reduction at early stages, it allows users to reattach the handle proactively before the holding force becomes insufficient, preventing accidents
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vacuum is reduced over time due to diffusion, then the handle arrangement remains attached to the surface, but the desired holding force is reduced leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum loss indicator device continuously monitors and provides feedback on the vacuum level through the indicator element. This allows users to detect vacuum reduction and take corrective action before the reduced holding force becomes dangerous
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device counteracts the harmful effect of vacuum loss by providing early warning. This preliminary alert allows users to reattach the handle before the reduced holding force can cause safety incidents
3Reliability
If a vacuum loss indicator device is added to warn users of reduced suction, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum loss indicator device is designed to be self-actuating through the vacuum pressure itself. The indicator element is mechanically coupled to the suction plate or piston and moves automatically based on vacuum level, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element serves as a simple intermediary that translates vacuum pressure changes into visible signals. This mechanical mediation provides safety information without requiring complex electronics or additional systems
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
Prevents accidents by ensuring users are aware of reduced suction and can reattach the handle arrangement, maintaining a safe holding force, and avoiding misunderstandings about the stability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one suction head can be attached by suction to a porous surface by activating the actuating device for forming a vacuum acting between the porous surface and the suction plate
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum loss indicator device has at least one indicator element, in particular mechanically actuable, which can be moved by means of a change in the vacuum between a basic position corresponding to a sufficient vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
In a handle arrangement, in particular an aid to help persons rise, for example in the bathroom area, having a gripping rod (12), on which at least one suction head (14) with a suction plate (15) or a suction piston (50) and an actuating device (17) for the suction plate (15), or respectively suction piston (50), are arranged on at least one handle end (13a, 13b), or between both handle ends (13a, 13b), so that the at least one suction head (14) can be attached by suction to a porous surface by activating the actuating device (17) for forming a vacuum acting between the porous surface and the suction plate (15), or respectively the suction piston (50), and can be released therefrom by releasing the vacuum, a vacuum loss indicator device (22) is provided, which reacts to the reduction of the vacuum.