Swivel Seat Rack-and-Gear Clamp for Accessible Tub Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handicapped individuals face difficulties in entering and exiting hot tubs and bathtubs due to their high walls and varying floor levels, as existing seating devices do not adequately address the need for efficient and safe access.
Innovation Solution
A swivel seat system comprising a seat, a swivel assembly, and a base assembly with adjustable legs and a clamp plate mechanism that allows the seat to rotate and securely engage with the tub enclosure, enabling easy transfer between the outside and inside of the tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a normal hot tub with high walls is used, then the tub can fully submerge a person, but it becomes difficult for handicapped persons to enter and exit
Solution Approach 1:
A swivel seat system acts as an intermediary device between the ground and the hot tub interior. The seat transfers users from a wheelchair or assistive device directly into the tub, eliminating the need to climb over high walls. The seat includes a base plate that engages with the tub sidewall and a seating surface that rotates to position users inside the tub.
Solution Approach 2:
The entry system is segmented into separate functional components: a base plate assembly that attaches to the tub, a swivel mechanism that enables rotation, and a seat portion that supports the user. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy installation and adjustment.
2Ease of manufacture
If there is a great difference between ground level and tub bottom, then the tub can be installed at ground level, but it creates difficulty for wheelchair users to access
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel seat incorporates a rotating mechanism that dynamically adjusts the seat position from a horizontal loading position to a vertical transfer position. This dynamic adjustment accommodates varying ground levels and tub heights, making the system adaptable to different installation configurations and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate assembly includes adjustable legs that can be extended or retracted to change the height and position of the seat relative to the ground. This parameter adjustment allows the system to bridge the gap between ground level and tub bottom, accommodating different installation scenarios and user mobility levels.
3Ease of operation
If a cantilevered seat is used to provide initial support, then the user can be positioned on the seat, but the user must still be manually moved and legs brought inward
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel seat enables self-service transfer by allowing users to rotate the seat themselves using handrails or grip surfaces. Once positioned on the seat, users can independently swing their legs over the tub edge and rotate the seat to face inward, eliminating the need for manual assistance with positioning and leg movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate assembly is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically secure to the tub sidewall when installed. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex manual assembly or adjustment during use, providing immediate and reliable support when the user approaches the seat.
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 swivel seat system facilitates safe and efficient entry and exit for handicapped individuals by allowing the seat to be rotated and adjusted to different positions, accommodating varying floor levels and tub heights, thereby improving accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The gear engages the rack via a plurality of teeth on the gear to move the clamp plate linearly along the bottom surface of the base plate.
Implementation Method 2
The seat rotates on the swivel assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel seat system comprising a base assembly, further comprising at least one first leg extending downward from a base plate, at least one second leg extending downward from the base plate, and a clamp plate assembly; a swivel assembly attached to an upper surface of the base plate; and a seat attached to an upper surface of the swivel assembly. The clamp plate assembly further comprises a clamp plate, a gear, a shaft extending downwardly from a center bore of the gear, an elongated handle extending outwardly from the shaft, and a rack coupled to the clamp plate, wherein the gear engages the rack via a plurality of teeth on the gear. The clamp plate assembly is structured and arranged to slide linearly along the bottom surface of the base plate by rotating the elongated handle.