Toiletry wiping device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toiletry wiping devices fail to securely grip toilet paper and position it for effective hygiene, especially for individuals with limited hand or arm function, as they often have suboptimal closing mechanisms and lack an elongated handle with a rotatable head that can comfortably reach anatomical areas.
Innovation Solution
A toiletry wiping device with a pair of jaws that can be moved between open and closed positions via a sliding sleeve, integrated with an elongated and extendable handle, allowing secure gripping and positioning of toilet paper for improved hygiene, featuring a rotatable gripping assembly for user comfort and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing closing mechanisms are used to hold tissue paper, then the device can retain tissue paper, but the gripping security is insufficient and the mechanism location is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex closing mechanism that pushes jaws together, the patent uses a spring that naturally pushes jaws apart and requires user activation to close them. This inversion of the normal closing mechanism provides more reliable gripping security while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded jaws automatically return to the open position after closing, requiring no additional mechanism to reset them. The user simply releases the activation element and the spring self-service resets the gripping mechanism.
2Length of moving object
If a standard handle length is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot reach anatomical areas requiring cleaning without excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract. This segmentation allows the handle to achieve greater length for reaching anatomical areas while maintaining a compact form for easy storage and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static fixed length to a dynamic adjustable length through telescopic sections. This allows the handle to adapt its length based on the user's needs for reaching different anatomical areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot be rotated to provide improved comfort and accuracy for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The head is made rotatable relative to the handle, transforming from a fixed static connection to a dynamic rotating connection. This allows the head to be oriented at different angles to accommodate different user positions and anatomical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable head allows users to pre-position and orient the gripping assembly to the desired angle before use, enabling optimal comfort and accuracy for different users and anatomical areas.
4Reliability
If jaws are designed to securely grip toilet paper, then gripping security is improved, but the jaws do not easily fit between the cheeks of a buttock
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws have different properties at different locations: the distal ends are rounded and smooth for easy insertion between cheeks, while the proximal portions provide sufficient surface area for secure gripping of toilet paper through the spring mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A toiletry wiping device. The toiletry wiping device includes an elongated handle connected to a head having a pair of opposing jaws for clamping on objects positioned between the jaws. A sliding sleeve is mounted around the jaws that is configured to slide from one end of the jaws to the other end, causing the jaws to move towards and away from each other, respectfully. The head is pivotally connected to the elongated handle via hinge that allows a user to selectively adjust the relative angle of the head. In one embodiment, the handle includes a telescopic arrangement having one or more elongated sections that adjust the length of the handle. Further, one end of the jaws includes a high friction dry to prevent objects from accidentally slipping from between the jaws.