High-performance bathing assistance device having improved safety and convenience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infant bathing assistance devices generate noise and discomfort due to strong impact from armrest rotation, require excessive force to release rotation restriction, risk skin injury from armrest gaps, lack replaceable play means, inefficient drainage, occupy bathroom space, and pose safety hazards due to slip and fall risks.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a rotation control mechanism using fixed and rotating wheels with stoppers to manage armrest rotation without strong springs, includes skin protection and detachable play means, improved drainage, anti-slip pads, hanging mechanism, and separation prevention to address these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong compression spring is used to maintain connection between rotation teeth and fixed teeth, then the armrests can be sufficiently restricted from rotating outwards for safety, but stronger compression springs generate louder impact noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation control mechanism into multiple independent elements: rotation teeth with multiple segments, fixed teeth distributed around the rotation axis, and multiple compression springs positioned at different locations. This segmentation distributes the restraining force across multiple contact points, reducing the load on individual springs and minimizing impact noise while maintaining overall rotation restriction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the rotation control mechanism. The compression springs are positioned to engage with specific rotation teeth at optimal locations, creating localized engagement points that reduce overall impact. The fixed teeth are strategically positioned to provide gradual engagement rather than sudden contact, reducing impact noise while maintaining restriction reliability.
2Ease of operation
If rotation teeth are designed to reciprocate in the axial direction to control armrest rotation, then the armrests can be rotated inwards to fit infant physique, but the reciprocating motion causes continuous impact noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic rotation control mechanism where compression springs continuously engage and disengage with rotation teeth as the armrest rotates. This dynamic engagement allows smooth inward rotation of the armrest to fit the infant's physique while the springs absorb impact forces, converting sudden reciprocating motions into gradual, controlled movements that minimize impact noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs are pre-positioned to engage with rotation teeth before significant reciprocating motion occurs. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the impact forces that would otherwise be generated during rotation, allowing the armrest to rotate smoothly inwards while preventing the continuous impact noise that would result from direct tooth-to-tooth contact.
3Ease of operation
If the gap between armrests is reduced to fit the infant, then the armrests can be rotated inwards, but the skin may be suctioned into the gap causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates soft, flexible protective layers or films on the inner surfaces of the armrests and along the gap edges. These flexible coverings prevent direct contact between the infant's skin and the hard surfaces that could cause suction injury, while still allowing the armrests to rotate inwards to fit the infant's body. The flexible material deforms under pressure to prevent skin entrapment.
4Ease of operation
If the bathing assistance device is stored on the bathroom floor, then it is easily accessible, but it occupies bathroom space and may cause slip hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates wall-mounted brackets or hooks that allow the bathing assistance device to be stored vertically on the bathroom wall when not in use. This transitions the storage from horizontal floor space to vertical wall space, freeing up bathroom floor area and eliminating slip hazards while keeping the device easily accessible through simple wall-mounted positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bathing assistance device for an infant, wherein the infant's resistance due to the strong impact noise generated when using a conventional bathing aid can be eliminated, armrests can operate smoothly, the skin of the infant can be prevented from being caught or compressed in a gap between the upper body and the armrests, by making a play means removable, the infant can replace the play means with his/her preferred safe play means or purchase only the bathing assistance device separately, foreign substances such as washing water and feces which flow into the inside of a tread can be quickly discharged, the bathing assistance device can be easily stored and dried in a bathroom, a falling accident in which the infant slips and falls on an upper portion of a lower body part can be prevented.