Variable height lift seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with physical disabilities, such as ALS or extreme obesity, face challenges in using and cleaning themselves after using a toilet due to limited mobility and muscle function, requiring significant assistance for tasks like sitting, standing, and personal hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A variable height lift seat assembly with a framework and linear actuators that allows for adjustable height and tilting, combined with an optional bidet for enhanced hygiene, designed to facilitate safe and independent use by individuals with varying physical characteristics, incorporating gas springs for stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard toilet seat is used, then the device complexity is low, but individuals with physical disabilities cannot use it independently due to limited mobility and muscle function
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanized seat system enables individuals with physical disabilities to perform toilet functions independently through automated lifting and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for assistant assistance. The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting seat height and angle to accommodate users with limited mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with an automated motorized system. Electric motors and control mechanisms substitute for the physical strength and mobility that disabled individuals lack, allowing independent operation through simple control inputs rather than requiring complex physical effort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is designed for taller individuals (High Mode), then it accommodates taller users better, but shorter users cannot use it comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The seat incorporates variable height and angle adjustment mechanisms that dynamically adapt to different user requirements. The system can switch between High Mode for taller individuals and Low Mode for shorter users, providing dynamic adaptability rather than a fixed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanized seat system serves multiple user height categories through its adjustable mechanisms. By incorporating variable height and angle controls, a single device can accommodate both taller and shorter users, eliminating the need for separate specialized seats for different height groups.
3Ease of operation
If manual assistance is provided for sitting and standing, then individuals with physical disabilities can use the toilet, but they require significant assistance and loss of privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The automated lift system enables self-service operation for individuals with physical disabilities. Users can independently control the lifting and positioning mechanisms through simple inputs, performing toilet functions without requiring physical assistance from others, thereby maintaining privacy and autonomy.
4Ease of operation
If a bidet is incorporated for hygiene, then personal cleaning is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bidet functionality with the mechanized seat system into a single integrated unit. The bidet is combined with the lifting mechanisms and control systems, creating a multi-functional device that provides both positioning assistance and personal hygiene capabilities in one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: it provides motorized lifting for disabled users, adjustable height and angle positioning for different user types, and bidet functionality for personal hygiene. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each function.
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 comfortable, safe, and independent use for individuals with a wide range of heights and abilities, providing privacy and convenience through controlled vertical and angular movement, enhancing the user's ability to manage toilet functions without assistance.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of linear actuators operably connects to the framework and each linear actuator has a power supply and preselected set points
Implementation Method 2
incorporating gas springs for stability and comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A variable height lift seat assembly includes a framework providing a seat mounting site. A plurality of linear actuators operably connects to the framework and each linear actuator has a power supply and preselected set points. A control mechanism operably connects to the linear actuators for controlling up and down and angular movement of the seat mounting site of the frame.