Adjustable showerhead support system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current showerhead support systems for individuals with physical limitations, such as the elderly or those with temporary disabilities, lack independence, flexibility, comfort, and containment, making it difficult to bathe or shower without assistance due to unstable water flow and limited reach.
Innovation Solution
A clip-on shower chair attachment with a two-lever system that allows the showerhead to move laterally, up/down, and forwards/backwards, providing three degrees of freedom for adjustable positioning and stabilization, thereby enhancing user control and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stationary clip is used to hold the showerhead, then the showerhead is stabilized, but the user cannot adjust the showerhead position to reach different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary clip into a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The showerhead assembly can move laterally along the arm, vertically along the pole, and rotate at joints, allowing continuous position adjustment while maintaining stability through friction and mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The showerhead support system is divided into multiple segmented components (base, pole, arm, showerhead assembly) connected by joints. Each segment can move independently relative to others, enabling complex positioning while each connection point provides localized stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the showerhead is made removable for easy cleaning, then maintenance is simplified, but the showerhead becomes unstable and difficult to control during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary quick-connect mechanism between the showerhead and hose. This mediator allows tool-free detachment for cleaning while providing a secure, stable connection during use through bayonet-style coupling with mechanical locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic conditional attachment. The quick-connect mechanism remains stable under normal operating conditions but allows easy separation when needed, adapting its stability characteristics based on usage state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shower system is designed for full body reachability, then washing coverage is improved, but the system complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal showerhead system that can service multiple body zones through three degrees of freedom. A single multi-functional assembly replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed showerheads, achieving full-body coverage without proportional complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensions of movement (lateral, vertical, rotational) to extend reach without increasing horizontal footprint. The showerhead accesses different body parts by moving through three-dimensional space rather than requiring multiple horizontal positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the showerhead can be freely moved to reach all body parts, then washing flexibility is improved, but water containment becomes difficult and mess increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-based joints and mechanical constraints provide continuous feedback resistance to movement. When the showerhead is positioned and held steady, the friction and mechanical stops provide stabilizing feedback forces that prevent unintended movement and water spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exhibits dynamic stability characteristics - easily movable during intentional adjustment but naturally stable during use. The friction connections and mechanical constraints create a system that transitions from low-resistance movement to high-resistance stabilization based on operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable showerhead support system capable of being attached to a shower chair. The showerhead support system has a showerhead support assembly operated by a showerhead support track lever allowing a user to move a showerhead forwards and backwards. The showerhead support assembly also has a telescoping bracket and telescoping legs to allow a user to adjust the height of the showerhead. The showerhead support system also includes a back track assembly operated by a back track lever that allows the user to move the showerhead left and right. The showerhead support system also includes a counterbalance.