Semi-open showering device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathing devices for the elderly and mobility-impaired are messy, difficult to clean, and often require extensive caretaker assistance, with closed systems causing claustrophobia and open systems leading to water spills and slip hazards, especially for those with bowel control issues.
Innovation Solution
A semi-open bathing device with a chair assembly, water dispensers, temperature regulation, and waste water management system that contains water within the device, allowing simultaneous toilet use and reducing mess, featuring angled dispensers and a foot tray for efficient water collection and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed system like a bathtub is used, then water containment is improved, but accessibility and user comfort deteriorate due to difficulty getting in and out, claustrophobia, and cleaning difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The bathing device is segmented into a seat portion and a backrest portion that can be folded between the user's legs, creating a compact configuration for easy transport and storage while maintaining water containment when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a flexible waterproof cover that drapes over the user's body and secures around their waist, creating a portable water-containing enclosure without rigid walls that would impede accessibility
2Ease of operation
If an open system like a shower chair is used, then accessibility is improved, but water containment deteriorates causing mess and slip hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof cover is draped over the user's body and secured around their waist to create a portable water-containing enclosure, preventing spills while maintaining the open accessibility of a shower chair
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cover acts as an intermediary between the user and the surrounding environment, containing water within the defined space while allowing the user to remain accessible and mobile
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed system is used for users with bowel control issues, then privacy is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to cramped space
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including a removable waterproof cover and a foldable backrest, allowing easy disassembly for thorough cleaning of all surfaces without cramped spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest can be folded between the user's legs during transport and storage, transforming the device from a compact form to an expanded bathing configuration that provides adequate space for cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-open bathing device (200) is provided, one aspect of which relates to multi-function showering device, comprising a chair assembly, a plurality of first dispensers (220/222), a supply assembly, a temperature regulator, and a waste water management assembly. In the semi-open bathing device (200), the chair assembly comprises a seat (202) with a hole (204) disposed in the center of the seat (202). A backrest (206) and two sidewalls (214) are coupled to the seat (202) respectively thereby forming a front opening for the chair assembly. The backrest (206) provides a support for the bather and the two sidewalls (214) are configured to contain the spillage of water. The plurality of first dispensers (220/222) is positioned onto the sidewalls (214) and/or the backrest (206) for dispensing water and/or air towards the bather. The supply assembly is located at backside of the backrest (206) for connecting to a water supply and an electricity supply.