Folding Support Bar Swivel Joint for Safe Space-Saving Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support handles for disabled individuals in sanitary cells are either inadequate for those with limited handling ability or intrusive for able-bodied users due to space constraints and lack of flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A swivel joint with a circular disc design, a winding spring force accumulator, and ball catches on a support plate, allowing for a space-saving, comfortable, and safe grab handle that can be easily operated with minimal actuation force, ensuring secure grip and preventing finger trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stationary support handles are installed in sanitary cells, then disabled people can use them for support, but they impede use by able-bodied people and consume space
Solution Approach 1:
The support handle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between a retracted position (out of the way for able-bodied users) and an extended active position (providing support when needed). The swivel joint enables this dynamic transformation, resolving the contradiction between providing support and saving space.
2Ease of operation
If a swivel joint with cam guide extending over 90° is used to determine swiveled-out active position, then the support handle can be moved between vertical rest and horizontal active positions, but the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam guide is designed as a circular arc (curved path) that guides the ball catch through a 90-degree rotation. This curved geometric path simplifies the mechanism by using a single continuous arc rather than multiple links or complex joints, while still achieving the desired smooth transition between vertical and horizontal positions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the support handle is positioned at a distance from the base plate, then the operating hand is protected from trapping, but the actuation torque required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball catch acts as an intermediary element that translates the user's pulling force on the handle into rotational moment on the swivel joint. By positioning the ball catch at an optimal radius from the rotation axis and using it to engage with the cam guide, the system reduces the direct torque requirement while maintaining safe distancing from the base plate.
4Reliability
If ball catches are mounted on the support plate to provide audible and tactile end position signals, then the end positions are clearly defined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball catch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the actuation element that engages with the cam guide to enable smooth rotation, and also provides audible and tactile feedback when the handle reaches its end positions. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate indication mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while improving 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 solution provides a reliable, space-efficient support handle that maintains natural limb position, ensures safe operation, and supports loads up to 150 kg with minimal actuation force, while being easy to grip and fold, thus accommodating both disabled and able-bodied users effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical energy storage device with a between rest and active position is acted upon by an approximately uniform force acting in the direction of the active position of the support handle
Implementation Method 2
the force accumulator is a winding spring acting between the disc and the axle
Implementation Method 3
the axle supporting the disc, the bolts forming part of the curve guide and the rest and active position of the circular disc of the swivel joint can be heard and felt Ball catches are mounted on a support plate
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a support bar for disabled persons, in particular for use in sanitary modules. The invention is characterized in that a swivel joint (15), which can be moved between two end positions and which has a curved guide (30) extending over 90 degrees and a stop (25/26) that determines the swiveled-out operative position, is used as a bearing for the support bar (10), which can be moved from the vertical resting position of the support bar to a horizontal operative position and vice versa, which swivel joint (15) is supported at a distance from a base plate between two support plates (18, 19) fastened to the base plate (23).