Disposable Bedpan with Ribbed Side Wall for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable bedpans are not economical to produce and lack stability, which affects their usability and ecological disposal.
Innovation Solution
The design features indentations and protuberances in the side wall that act as ribs to strengthen the bedpan, a raised central portion to prevent liquid from entering, and a combination of cellulose or processed waste paper with water-repellent materials for stability and ease of disposal, along with a one-piece construction and vacuum forming process for manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If disposable bedpans are made from thin materials to reduce production cost, then manufacturing economy is improved, but structural stability and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bedpan is divided into multiple functional areas (first area for solid excrement, second area for liquid excrement, third area as extension) with varying wall thicknesses. The side wall thickness varies by region, with thicker walls in load-bearing areas and thinner walls in less critical areas, optimizing both strength and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bedpan have different material properties and thicknesses. The side wall thickness is adapted to local requirements: thicker in the first area for structural support, thinner in the second area for flexibility. This local differentiation allows the bedpan to achieve necessary strength while minimizing overall material consumption.
2Strength
If the side wall is made uniformly thick to ensure stability, then structural strength is improved, but material consumption and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is segmented into multiple thickness zones corresponding to different functional areas. The first area (for solid excrement) has greater wall thickness for stability, while the second area (for liquid excrement) has reduced thickness. This segmentation eliminates the need for uniform thickness throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall exhibits local quality variations with different thicknesses in different regions. This local differentiation ensures that material is concentrated where structural support is needed while reducing material usage in areas where flexibility and reduced weight are beneficial.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bedpan is designed as a one-piece structure to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional areas (first area for solid excrement, second area for liquid excrement, third area as extension) are merged into a single integrated bedpan structure. This one-piece design eliminates the need for assembly of multiple components while incorporating varied thickness zones and functional regions within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bedpan structure serves multiple functions: the first area receives solid excrement, the second area receives liquid excrement, and the third area provides extension. This multi-functionality is achieved within one piece, reducing manufacturing steps while addressing diverse user needs.
4Reliability
If the bedpan uses water-repellent materials to prevent liquid absorption, then functional performance is improved, but ecological disposability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters are optimized to provide adequate liquid resistance without excessive water-repellent coating. The side wall thickness and material composition are adjusted to achieve functional liquid prevention while maintaining biodegradability and ecological compatibility for disposable use.
Solution Approach 2:
The bedpan utilizes composite material construction combining base material with controlled water-repellent properties. This allows sufficient liquid resistance for functional performance while using materials that remain ecologically friendly and suitable for ecological disposal after use.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to disposable bedpans as open pans comprising a base, a lateral wall and an edge. The disposable bedpans are characterised, in particular, in that same are economical to produce and are stable. In this regard, regions of the lateral wall are infolding areas and/or outfolding areas wherein the cross-section of the infolding area and/or the outfolding area tapers in the direction of the edge. The recess of the disposable bedpan comprises a first region for the buttocks and a second region extending the first region as an extension. Furthermore, at least the middle part of the lateral wall of the extension is a lateral wall that is higher than the rest of the lateral wall. The infolding areas and outfolding areas act as the strength of the lateral wall and of the edge and thus as strengthening ribs for the entire disposable bedpan.