Handrail With Integrated LED Assembly for Dark Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bathroom handrails are difficult to locate in the dark, especially on slippery wet floors, increasing the risk of accidents.

Innovation Solution

A handrail with an integrated LED light emitting assembly that senses stimulation to emit visible light, allowing users to accurately find the handrail even in dark conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a conventional straight grab bar is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the handrail is difficult to locate in the dark

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of handrailVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the handrail structure with a light emitting assembly into a single integrated unit. The light emitting assembly is embedded within the handrail bar, merging the support function with the illumination function, thereby improving visibility without requiring separate mounting structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handrail serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for users and simultaneously acts as a light source through the integrated light emitting assembly. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to fulfill both mechanical support and illumination needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the handrail is made stationary and fixed, then the installation is simple, but the user cannot locate it when lights are off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety in dark conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting assembly is pre-integrated into the handrail structure during manufacturing, with the light emitting unit positioned within the bar and connected to the sensing unit. This preliminary integration ensures that the safety function is built-in from the start rather than added as a separate installation step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handrail system is self-activating through the sensing unit that automatically detects darkness or user presence and triggers the light emitting unit to illuminate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual switching or complex control systems while ensuring reliable operation

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 handrail reduces the risk of accidents by providing a visible light source for users to locate it easily, enhancing safety in bathrooms, especially during power failures or when the floor is wet.

Implementation Method 1

The light emitting unit comprises an LED unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the light emitting assembly comprises a sensing unit and a light emitting unit. The light emitting unit is capable of emitting light when the sensing unit senses the stimulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensing: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10640984B2Handrail
Publication Date: 2020.05.05 XIAMEN LOTA INT CO LTD
  • US10640984B2 patent drawing
  • US10640984B2 patent drawing
  • US10640984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a handrail with an LED. The handrail comprises a bar, a first connecting component, and a second connecting component. The first connecting component is provided at a first end of the bar and secures the bar to a wall. The second connecting component is provided at a second end of the bar and secures the bar to the wall. The bar is long and narrow and comprises an installation groove. The installation groove is configured for receiving a light emitting assembly, which is configured for emitting visible light when sensing stimulation. The light emitting assembly comprises a sensing unit and a light emitting unit. The light emitting unit is capable of emitting light when the sensing unit senses the stimulation.