Slotted Grab Bar Assembly for Adjustable Bathroom Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab bars in bathrooms are difficult to install without precise screw placement, require expert assistance, and are not easily adaptable to different user positions or sizes, posing a risk of injury and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A slidable grab bar assembly with a slotted back plate and anchoring elements that allows for easy installation without precise drill placement, enabling users to adjust the position of the bar for optimal support and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed grab bars are installed, then they provide stable support, but they require precise screw placement and expert assistance for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The grab bar assembly transitions from a fixed position to a movable one along the wall surface. The slot in the back plate allows the grab bar to slide horizontally to different positions while remaining securely anchored through the anchoring element that engages with the slot. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for precise pre-planning of screw placement during installation.
2Reliability
If conventional fixed grab bars are installed, then they are securely anchored, but they cannot be adjusted to different user positions or sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the back plate enables the grab bar to be positioned at multiple locations along the wall. Users can slide the grab bar to the optimal position based on their height, reach, and specific needs, while the anchoring element maintains secure engagement throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate is divided into a solid portion and a slot portion. The slot creates a segmented path that allows movement while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation separates the anchoring function (through the anchoring element) from the positioning function (through the slot), enabling both security and adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grab bars are installed for different positions, then user needs are met, but wall appearance deteriorates due to multiple drill holes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing multiple fixed grab bars at different positions (requiring multiple sets of drill holes), a single grab bar assembly with a slot allows one set of drill holes to accommodate multiple positions. The grab bar can be slid along the slot to different locations, providing the versatility of multiple positions while maintaining a clean wall appearance with minimal drilling.
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention discloses an easy to install and repositionable grab bar assembly that provides support for users while using a shower, bathtub, spa or the like. The grab bar assembly is comprised of a grab bar, a back plate with slots and anchoring elements to secure the assembly to a wall surface. The grab bar assembly is attached to the wall surface by placing the backplate against the wall surface so as to align the slots to pre-drilled holes in the wall surface. The anchoring elements and other securing components are then tightened to secure the grab bar assembly to the wall. The slot-based design enables an individual to slide the grab bar as required by the user.