Portable Pivotable Bathtub Stepstool for High-Sidewall Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with physical limitations face difficulty accessing bathtubs due to high sidewalls, leading to discomfort, embarrassment, and safety risks when attempting to enter or exit, often resorting to less effective bathing methods.
Innovation Solution
A portable and pivotable stepstool with adjustable braces and steps, featuring a rotatable element connecting two sides, allowing easy entry and exit by pivoting one side over the other, with stabilizers for balance support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional bathtubs have high sidewalls to hold large volume of water, then water capacity is improved, but accessibility for individuals with physical limitations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stepstool serves as an intermediary device between the user and the bathtub sidewall. It provides a temporary structure with multiple steps that spans across the bathtub opening, allowing users to ascend and descend gradually rather than attempting to step over the high sidewall directly. The stepstool includes features like non-skid feet for stability and adjustable components to accommodate different user needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed stepstool is used to access the bathtub, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different environments and user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stepstool incorporates dynamic elements including a pivot joint that allows the structure to be reconfigured between a closed position (when not in use) and an open position (when spanning the bathtub). The braces can be adjusted in length and angle to accommodate different bathtub sizes and user heights. These dynamic features enable the same structure to adapt to various environments while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepstool is divided into multiple adjustable segments including braces, steps, and pivot points. Each component can be independently adjusted or repositioned. The braces can be extended or reconfigured, and the entire structure can be assembled or disassembled, providing versatility while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected design.
3Ease of operation
If a portable stepstool with pivot mechanism is used to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism provides dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing the stepstool to transition between a compact closed state for storage and transport, and an open spanning state for use. This single mechanical element enables the structure to adapt its configuration without requiring multiple separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If multiple steps are provided on the stepstool to reduce the height barrier, then accessibility is improved, but the overall height of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical height barrier is segmented into multiple smaller steps rather than a single large climb. Each step provides a gradual elevation change, making the overall ascent more manageable for users with limited mobility. The braces are arranged to support these multiple steps while maintaining a compact overall structure that can be folded or pivoted when not in use.
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
Enables safe and easy access to bathtubs for a variety of users, reducing injury risk and eliminating the need for assistance, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first side is pivotable relative to the second side, such that the top step of the first side is positioned directly adjacent to the top step of the second side. The rotatable element is selected from a hinge, pivot pin, or combinations thereof.
Implementation Method 2
Each brace includes a non-skid foot positioned adjacent to a support surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a device that allows a user to enter and exit a bathtub or other apparatus with a relatively high sidewall safely and easily. Particularly, the device comprises first and second sides that can be positioned on either surface of a bathtub sidewall. The first and second sides each include one or more braces that support a plurality of steps that enable a user to climb up one side of the device and down the other. The device can include one or more stabilizers that are sized and shaped to allow a user to securely grab onto as they advance up or down the steps, thereby maintaining balance.