Shower seat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower seats are either weak structurally and unable to assist users in standing or overly complex for switching between states, lacking in both strength and functionality for comfortable and safe transitions between sitting and standing positions.
Innovation Solution
A shower seat design featuring a support assembly, an elevator assembly with a push rod motor, a movable seat, and guide shafts, allowing the seat plate to rotate between vertical and horizontal states efficiently, assisted by a control assembly that manages the push rod motor's expansion and contraction for stable and quick transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge manner is used for the shower seat, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and ability to assist users in standing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shower seat is divided into multiple functional modules: a support assembly fixed to the wall, an elevator assembly with push rod motor and guide shafts for vertical movement, and a seat assembly with hinge rods connecting to the support. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural strength without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the elevator assembly with guide shafts and guide blocks, and the hinge rods that mediate between the support assembly and seat plate. These intermediaries provide structural reinforcement and controlled movement, enabling the seat to assist users in standing while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Device complexity
If a simple hinge manner is used for the shower seat, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to assist users in standing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator assembly with push rod motor is configured to automatically raise the seat plate to a vertical position before the user needs to stand. This preliminary action prepares the seat structure to bear the user's weight during the transition from sitting to standing, providing assistance without requiring complex manual operation or overly complicated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly uses hinge rods connected at different positions (first position lower than second position) to create dynamic movement capabilities. The hinge mechanism allows the seat plate to rotate between horizontal and vertical states, adapting to the user's needs during the standing transition while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the shower seat is directly fixed to the wall with simple structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functional capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shower seat design integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the support assembly provides structural mounting, the elevator assembly enables automated vertical movement and assists users in standing, and the seat assembly allows rotation between horizontal and vertical states. This multi-functionality is achieved through coordinated interaction of components rather than separate complex systems, maintaining reasonable device complexity while enhancing functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical hinge connections with an automated elevator assembly driven by a push rod motor. This substitution provides controlled, reliable movement and structural support while reducing the need for overly complicated mechanical linkages, thereby improving functional capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the shower seat structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shower seat into distinct assemblies (support, elevator, and seat assemblies), each component can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes. The modular design allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts while the assembled structure achieves the required structural strength through proper component configuration and connection.
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
Enables efficient switching between stowed and seated states, providing sufficient support for users to transition from sitting to standing, ensuring stable movement and enhanced structural strength, thus improving user experience and bathroom space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an elevator assembly, comprising a push rod motor, a movable seat and a guide shaft; the movable is connected to an output end of the push rod motor; the movable seat is capable of moving along the guide shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a shower seat. The shower seat comprises a support assembly, an elevator assembly, a seat assembly, and a control assembly. The support assembly is capable of being located on a wall. The elevator assembly comprises a push rod motor, a movable seat and a guide shaft; the movable is connected to an output end of the push rod motor. The movable seat is capable of moving along the guide shaft. The seat assembly comprises a seat plate hinged to the movable seat, and hinge rods respectively hinged to the seat plate and the support assembly. The hinge rod is hinged to the support assembly at a first position lower than a second position where the hinge rod and the seat plate are hinged. The push rod motor is connected to the control assembly. The control assembly is capable of controlling an movement of the push rod motor.