Portable commode aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals, especially the elderly and those with knee issues, face challenges when using a toilet for vomiting due to lack of support and sanitation concerns, as well as pain and difficulty in kneeling and standing up, with existing solutions failing to provide adequate stabilization and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A portable commode aid with adjustable leg assemblies, armrests, a kneepad, and a horizontal support brace that straddles the toilet, providing support and stability, and is adjustable to accommodate different user heights and toilet sizes, with a kneepad that can be secured or removed for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an individual kneels over the toilet rim to vomit, then the stomach contents can be expelled, but the knees experience pain and the position is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The commode aid introduces intermediary elements (armrests, kneepad, leg supports) between the user and the toilet environment. The armrests provide upper body support, the kneepad cushions the knees, and the leg supports stabilize the positioning, collectively mediating the interaction to reduce knee pain and improve stability during vomiting
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality improvements by providing targeted support at specific body parts: padded armrests for hand/arm support, a cushioned kneepad for knee protection, and adjustable leg supports for positional stability. Each component addresses the specific local need without requiring overall body support
2Stability of the object's composition
If the toilet rim is used as a support, then stability is provided, but sanitation issues arise due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The commode aid serves as an intermediary support structure between the user and the toilet rim. Instead of directly contacting the contaminated toilet rim, the user interacts with the clean, washable armrests and frame of the commode aid, which can be easily sanitized and do not transfer toilet contaminants to the user's body
3Device complexity
If nothing is held onto while standing up from kneeling position, then the device remains simple, but the user struggles to stand up
Solution Approach 1:
The commode aid segments the support function into multiple independent components: armrests for upper body support, leg supports for positional adjustment, and a kneepad for knee cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and modular
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by providing support structures in advance before the user needs to stand up. The armrests are positioned to offer immediate grip points, and the leg supports are pre-adjusted to maintain proper positioning, enabling the user to push up efficiently without struggling
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a commode aid for providing support to a user when the user leans over a toilet. The commode aide includes: (1) a front leg assembly including a left front leg and a right front leg; (2) a rear leg assembly including a left rear leg and a right rear leg; (3) a left armrest and a right armrest, wherein said left armrest is attached to the left front leg and the left rear leg and said right armrest is attached to the right front leg and the right rear leg; and (4) a horizontal support brace removably mounted to the left front leg and the right front leg, configured to be positioned between a toilet seat and a toilet tank and to provide support for the front leg assembly of the commode aid.