Reconfigurable Shower Assist Assembly With Integrated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower assist assemblies are difficult to install and not adaptable, providing limited functionality beyond assisting users with entering or exiting the shower, and lack storage solutions for bathing accessories.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable storage and assist assembly comprising a first member coupled to an upper wall portion, a second member to a lower wall portion, and an elongated member that is removably coupled between them, supporting weight and accommodating storage accessories, with adaptable configurations to meet user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional grab bars are mounted through openings in the walls of the shower enclosure, then they provide a fixed member for grabbing by a user to assist with entering or exiting the shower area, but they are complicated to install and are not adaptable or reconfigurable once installed
Solution Approach 1:
The assist assembly is divided into separate components: a first member mounted to the upper wall portion, a second member mounted to the lower wall portion, and a removable elongated member that connects between them. This segmentation allows the mounting members to be installed independently without requiring complex wall openings, while the elongated member can be easily attached and removed as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member is designed to be removably coupled between the first and second members, transforming the assembly from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. This allows the user to easily install, remove, or reposition the assist assembly as needed, while maintaining structural support when assembled.
2Reliability
If conventional grab bars are mounted through openings in the walls of the shower enclosure, then they provide a fixed member for grabbing by a user to assist with entering or exiting the shower area, but they are not adaptable or reconfigurable once installed
Solution Approach 1:
The assist assembly is divided into separate components: a first member mounted to the upper wall portion, a second member mounted to the lower wall portion, and a removable elongated member that connects between them. This segmentation allows the mounting members to be installed independently without requiring complex wall openings, while the elongated member can be easily attached and removed as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member is designed to be removably coupled between the first and second members, transforming the assembly from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. This allows the user to easily install, remove, or reposition the assist assembly as needed, while maintaining structural support when assembled.
3Reliability
If conventional grab bars are used, then they provide a fixed member for grabbing by a user to assist with entering or exiting the shower area, but they have limited functionality and do not provide any additional functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member is designed with a dual-purpose structure that provides both an assist function (as a grab bar for entering/exiting the shower) and a storage function (with accessories mounted to the side walls). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage components while maintaining structural support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the assist function and storage function into a single integrated assembly. The elongated member serves as both a structural support element and a mounting surface for storage accessories, combining multiple functions into one unified system that saves space and simplifies installation.
4Reliability
If conventional grab bars are mounted through openings in the walls of the shower enclosure, then they provide a fixed member for grabbing by a user, but they do not provide storage solutions for bathing accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member is designed with a dual-purpose structure that provides both an assist function (as a grab bar for entering/exiting the shower) and a storage function (with accessories mounted to the side walls). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage components while maintaining structural support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the assist function and storage function into a single integrated assembly. The elongated member serves as both a structural support element and a mounting surface for storage accessories, combining multiple functions into one unified system that saves space and simplifies installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and assist assembly for a shower includes a first member, a second member, and an elongated member. The first member is configured to be coupled to an upper portion of a fixed wall member. The second member is configured to be coupled to a lower portion of the fixed wall member. The elongated member is removably coupled between the first and second members and is configured to receive one or more storage accessories thereon.