Foldable bottom wiper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottom wiping devices are difficult for individuals with limited hand or arm function to use effectively for proper hygiene after toilet use, as they lack convenience and ease of use for cleaning the perineal regions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bottom wiper with a wiper head and handle, where the handle is hinged to fold around the head for storage, and features a recess for securing toilet paper, allowing the paper to be wiped over the area to be cleaned with the head facing upwards and soiled paper to fall off under gravity, utilizing friction catches and a thermoplastic elastomer contact surface for improved functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wiper is designed with a fixed handle and head structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but it is difficult for users with limited hand or arm function to handle and use effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is divided into separate segments: a handle with first and second sub-sections, and a head that can be detached. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the handle can be shaped for ergonomic gripping while the head can be designed for effective wiping, and the separation makes the entire device easier to manipulate for users with limited dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection between the handle and head, and between the handle sub-sections, transforms the rigid fixed structure into a dynamic flexible one. This allows the wiper to adapt to different user hand positions and movements, enabling effective use by individuals with limited hand or arm function while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Reliability
If toilet paper is placed on a flat contact surface without a recess, then the structure is simpler, but the paper is not securely held and may fall off during use
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is designed with a localized recess that creates a specific functional zone for paper retention. This recess provides a mechanical interlock that secures the toilet paper to the head, ensuring reliable paper retention during the wiping motion without requiring complex overall structural changes to the device.
3Ease of operation
If the handle and head are permanently connected, then the device is more durable, but it cannot be folded for compact storage or easy handling
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection provides a dynamic solution that allows the handle and head to be permanently connected for durability while enabling folding motion for compact storage. The hinge maintains structural integrity during use but permits controlled movement when folding, achieving both durability and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle sub-sections and head can be folded together in a nested arrangement during storage, with the first sub-section folding around the second sub-section and the head folding adjacent to them. This nested configuration achieves compact storage while the permanent hinge connections ensure the device remains durable and intact.
4Reliability
If the contact surface is made of smooth material, then it is easier to clean, but toilet paper does not adhere well during wiping
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface uses a friction material with locally increased surface roughness specifically at the paper contact zone. This localized friction property enhances toilet paper adhesion during wiping while the overall surface remains simple and easy to manufacture. The friction material is applied only where needed for paper grip, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving paper adhesion reliability.
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 foldable design enhances user convenience and hygiene by allowing easy handling and secure attachment of toilet paper, facilitating effective cleaning and easy disposal of soiled paper, while being economical and durable.
Implementation Method 1
The contact surface is formed of a friction material. The material may be a thermoplastic elastomer.
Implementation Method 2
the soiled paper being removed by facing the head generally downwards and allowing the papers to fall off under gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable bottom wiper. The foldable bottom wiper includes a wiper head having a paper contact surface extending from a base, and a handle extending from the head. The paper contact surface has a recess into which toilet paper can be tucked. In use, toilet paper can be placed over the contact surface and secured thereto by tucking part of the paper into the recess whereby the papers are secured to the head while paper on the head is wiped over part of a bottom to be cleaned with the contact surface of the head facing generally upwards, and the soiled paper being removed by facing the head generally downwards and allowing the papers to fall off under gravity.