Toilet support frame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for weighing infirm or immobile patients are cumbersome, risky, and often inaccurate, leading to increased falls and errors in medication dosing due to the need for manual handling and inadequate equipment.
Innovation Solution
A toilet frame with integrated weight sensors that measure patient weight while seated, combining a seat and foot plate to determine total weight without requiring additional movement, featuring a commode function for bedside use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weighing devices (chair scales, stand on scales) are used, then weight measurement is possible, but patient mobility is required which increases fall risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weighing function with the toilet frame structure, integrating weight sensors into the support frame. This merging eliminates the need for separate weighing devices and allows patients to be weighed during normal toilet use without additional movement or balance requirements, thereby reducing fall risk while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The toilet frame enables patients to weigh themselves during their normal toilet routine without requiring assistance from staff or additional manual handling. The weight sensors automatically detect and record the patient's weight as they sit on the toilet, making the weighing process self-service and eliminating the need for staff to physically move or position the patient.
2Measurement precision
If hoists are used for weighing, then patient weight can be measured, but the process is time-consuming and requires suspension of the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing function is merged into the toilet frame structure, allowing simultaneous toilet use and weight measurement. This eliminates the separate hoisting process and enables weight measurement during the patient's normal toilet routine, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining accurate measurement through integrated weight sensors.
3Measurement precision
If floor scales are used, then patient weight can be measured, but the devices are extremely heavy and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system is segmented into lightweight sensor components integrated into the toilet frame structure, rather than using a single heavy floor scale. The weight sensors are distributed within the frame, allowing the overall system to remain portable and easy to position while maintaining accurate measurement capability.
4Ease of operation
If manual handling is used for patient weighing, then weight can be estimated, but accuracy is reduced and staff workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toilet frame with integrated weight sensors enables automatic, accurate weight measurement during normal toilet use, eliminating the need for staff to manually handle or estimate patient weight. The system provides precise digital readings without requiring staff intervention, thereby reducing workload while improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual handling and estimation process is replaced with electronic weight sensors that automatically detect and measure patient weight. This substitution of mechanical/manual methods with electronic sensing technology provides accurate digital measurements while eliminating the physical effort and subjectivity associated with manual handling.
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 accurate and frequent weight measurement of immobile patients, reducing falls and staff workload, ensuring precise medication dosing, and improving patient safety and care efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor configured to measure the weight of the patient when the patient is sat on the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A toilet frame can measure the weight of a patient when the patient is sat on the toilet frame. The toilet frame includes a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame. The seat includes an aperture for receiving bodily fluids such that the patient may go to the toilet. The toilet frame further includes a foot plate for supporting the patient's feet. Weight sensors are positioned under the seat and the foot plate such that when a patient sits on the toilet frame the weight of the patient may be measured.