Shower gripping accessory device
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-effective solutions to prevent injurious falls due to loss of stability in various environments, particularly for senior citizens and to mitigate liability for businesses hosting individuals, by providing a gripping device that maximizes friction and visibility in poorly lit areas.
Innovation Solution
A shower gripping accessory device with an elongate cylindrical body featuring a multilayered frictional surface substrate, comprising a flexible polymer base layer, adhesive resin layers, and a high coefficient of friction material such as aluminum oxide or silica glass, along with optional illumination elements for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripping device is provided to prevent injurious falls, then stability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into distinct functional segments: an illumination element (LED or fluorescent light source with reflector) and a gripping surface element (textured or coated surface). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while keeping the overall device relatively simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: providing both illumination for visibility and a high-friction gripping surface for stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and reduces overall system complexity while improving safety comprehensively.
2Reliability
If exterior surface structures are added to optimize coefficient of friction, then gripping effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surface features localized texturing or coating applied only to the specific areas where hand contact occurs. This local quality enhancement provides high friction where needed without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire device structure, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving gripping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates composite surface treatments such as rubber coatings, textured polymers, or abrasive layers bonded to the base structure. These composite materials provide enhanced friction properties while being applied through relatively simple coating or bonding processes, balancing manufacturing ease with gripping performance.
3Reliability
If illumination elements are added to improve visibility in poorly lit environments, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination element is pre-integrated into the device structure during manufacturing, with the light source and reflector positioned to provide optimal illumination before the device is installed or used. This preliminary integration simplifies installation and reduces the perceived complexity for the end user while maintaining safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination element uses inexpensive, replaceable components such as LED bulbs or fluorescent tubes that can be easily replaced when depleted. This approach keeps the initial device cost low and allows for simple maintenance without requiring complex replacement mechanisms, balancing affordability with ongoing safety effectiveness.
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
The device effectively stabilizes individuals by providing a high coefficient of friction and visibility, reducing the risk of falls and associated liabilities, while allowing for periodic replacement to maintain effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a multilayered frictional surface substrate disposed over the outer shell body, wherein the multilayered frictional surface substrate comprises a flexible polymer base layer, one or more adhesive resin layers and a frictional material layer
Data Source
AI summary
A shower gripping accessory device is provided which may comprise an elongate cylindrical body having a plurality of terminal ends. The elongate cylindrical body may comprise an outer shell body and a cavity therein. The thickness value of the outer shell body may be substantially between one-quarter to one-half a radius value of the cavity. Further, a multilayered frictional surface substrate may be disposed over the outer shell body. The multilayered frictional surface substrate may comprise a flexible polymer base layer, one or more adhesive resin layers and a frictional material layer. The one or more adhesive resin layers may couple the frictional material layer to the flexible polymer base layer.