Compression-Mounted Shower Grab Bar for Secure Wall Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sanitary equipment, such as baths, often lack effective stability solutions for users, particularly in shower environments, where traditional grab bars may not securely attach and distribute user weight effectively.

Innovation Solution

A compression-mounted shower grab bar system comprising a grab bar, mounting plates, and caps that applies compressive force to secure the grab bar between two shower walls, transferring user load to the walls for improved stability and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional grab bars are used in shower environments, then installation is simple, but they do not securely attach and distribute user weight effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: mounting plates that attach to walls, compression bars that provide adjustable pressure, and mounting caps that secure the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plates are pre-positioned against the shower walls before the compression bar is installed. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning, allowing the compression mechanism to be applied uniformly and securely without requiring complex adjustment during final installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If traditional grab bars are used, then device complexity is low, but they do not effectively transfer user load to walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload transfer capabilityVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plates are pre-positioned against the shower walls before the compression bar is installed. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and positioning, allowing the compression mechanism to be applied uniformly and securely without requiring complex adjustment during final installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The compression bar mechanism allows adjustment of the compressive force parameter to optimize load transfer. By varying the compression level, the system can adapt to different wall types and user weight requirements, maximizing strength without requiring a complex fixed-structure design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If compression force is applied to secure grab bar, then attachment reliability improves, but mounting structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: mounting plates that attach to walls, compression bars that provide adjustable pressure, and mounting caps that secure the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression bar mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting through the interaction of its components. When the mounting caps are tightened, they automatically apply the necessary compressive force to secure the grab bar, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system provides enhanced stability and secure attachment to the shower walls, ensuring the grab bar remains fixed and effectively transfers user weight, reducing the risk of accidents and improving user safety.

Implementation Method 1

The grab bar applies a compressive force that presses the plurality of mounting plates against the first wall and the second wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive force: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of mounting caps secures the grab bar to the plurality of mounting plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11534033B1Compression-mounted shower grab bar
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 MCCCAULEY THOMAS
  • US11534033B1 patent drawing
  • US11534033B1 patent drawing
  • US11534033B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The compression-mounted shower grab bar incorporates a grab bar, a plurality of mounting plates, a plurality of mounting caps, and a shower. The shower further comprises a first wall and a second wall. The compression-mounted shower grab bar is adapted for use by a client. The compression-mounted shower grab bar forms a structure the client can grasp for improved stability. The compression-mounted shower grab bar mounts between the first wall and the second wall of the shower. The plurality of mounting caps secures the grab bar to the plurality of mounting plates. The grab bar applies a compressive force that presses the plurality of mounting plates against the first wall and the second wall such that the grab bar is: a) secured to a fixed position in the shower; and, b) transfers the load of the client to the first wall and the second wall.