Bathtub Hoist Locking Mechanism for Safe Back Plate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bath lifts do not allow users to lean back comfortably and safely remove the back plate, limiting user flexibility and safety during use.
Innovation Solution
A bath lifter with a detachable back plate featuring a locking device that only releases when the seat plate is in its lowest position, utilizing a mechanically acting locking mechanism with form-fitting components and a dual toothed rack system for enhanced stability and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrest is made detachable from the seat plate, then the ease of removal is improved, but the safety of removal is worsened because accidental detachment can occur when a user is sitting on the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically engage and lock the backrest to the seat plate before the user sits down, and to only become releasable after the user has stood up. This preliminary locking action prevents accidental detachment during use, while the automatic unlocking mechanism ensures easy removal when safe to do so.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own weight and position as the triggering mechanism for locking and unlocking. When the user sits, their weight automatically engages the locking mechanism. When they stand, the weight removal automatically triggers unlocking. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention during critical moments.
2Ease of operation
If the locking device is arranged on the surface of the seat plate facing away from the base plate, then the ease of operation for removal is improved, but the complexity of the device structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the existing adjustment mechanism components. The locking elements are integrated into the adjustment device structure, using shared components such as the rack and pinion elements already present in the system. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device components serve dual purposes: they both adjust the seat position and function as the locking mechanism. The same mechanical elements that provide movement also provide secure locking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated locking components and reducing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the backrest is made adjustable to various angles, then the comfort of the user is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically adapting its locked state based on the seat's position and the user's weight. The locking elements engage or disengage automatically as the seat moves between different angles or when the user's weight is applied or removed, eliminating the need for multiple fixed locking positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own weight and the seat's position as automatic triggers for the locking mechanism. When the user sits at any angle, their weight automatically engages the lock. When they stand, the lock automatically releases. This self-service approach provides multi-angle comfort without requiring complex manual locking mechanisms for each angle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the seat plate is allowed to move to various distances from the base plate, then the adaptability of the bath lift is improved, but the stability of the structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device engages in advance at each position stop, securing the seat plate before the user needs to be fully supported at that position. This preliminary locking ensures that as the seat moves through its range of motion for adaptability, it remains stable at each intermediate position, preventing structural instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary between the movable seat plate and the fixed base plate. At each position, the locking elements provide a stable connection point, mediating between the need for movement (adaptability) and the need for secure positioning (stability). This allows the structure to be both adaptable and stable.
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 comfortable use and safe removal of the back plate by an assistant, allowing users to choose their sitting position freely along the seat plate without needing to use locking devices, while ensuring the back plate can only be removed when the seat plate is closest to the ground, enhancing user safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a base plate (2), which typically rests on the bottom of the bathtub using suction cups
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bathtub lift (1) comprising a base plate (2), a seat plate (3) which is variable in distance from the base plate, a back plate (4) which is detachably arranged on the seat plate (3) and is movable relative to the seat plate, wherein the back plate (4) has a driven adjustment device (5) for adjusting the distance between the base plate and the seat plate, and wherein a locking device (6) is provided for releasing the back plate (4), which is characterized in that the locking device (6) is not arranged on the surface (7) of the seat plate (3) facing away from the base plate (2) and allows the back plate (4) to be released only in a base-plate-side end position of the seat plate (3).