Versatile commode chair apparatus enabling upright-to-lateral transition for sanitary care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive technologies for disabled individuals during toileting require multiple arduous lifting procedures, are time-consuming, and do not facilitate easy access for caregiver sanitary clean-up, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A versatile commode chair apparatus enabling upright-to-lateral transition, allowing for reduced lifting efforts by rotating the patient between upright and lateral positions, with a removable and interchangeable seat for easy toileting and sanitary care, and providing unobstructed access for clean-up and treatment of excretory areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard chair and separate toilet are used for toileting, then the patient can perform daily activities comfortably, but the caregiver must perform multiple arduous lifting procedures (up to ten lifts) to transfer the patient between locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chair and commode into a single integrated unit. The commode chair includes a seat, backrest, and integrated receptacle, eliminating the need for separate transfer to a toilet. This merging of functions reduces the number of lifting procedures from up to ten to just one or two, significantly reducing time loss and caregiver effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The commode chair serves multiple functions: it acts as both a regular chair for daily activities and a commode for toileting. The chair can be used for sitting during daily activities, and when toileting is needed, the patient remains in the same chair while the receptacle is positioned to receive excrement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for location changes and multiple transfers.
2Ease of operation
If a portable commode or lift device is used, then some lifting is reduced, but the devices are cumbersome, difficult to use, and require excessive time for setup and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The commode chair is divided into separable components: the chair portion (seat and backrest) and the receptacle portion. The receptacle can be easily attached and detached from the chair. This segmentation allows the device to be simple and lightweight when the receptacle is removed, reducing complexity, while still providing full commode functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the chair, rather than being permanently fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt between being a simple chair and a full commode system, reducing complexity when commode function is not needed and providing full functionality when required.
3Ease of operation
If the patient remains in an upright position on a standard toilet, then toileting can be performed, but the caregiver cannot easily access the patient's excretory areas for sanitary clean-up
Solution Approach 1:
The commode chair allows dynamic repositioning of the patient between upright and lateral lying positions. The chair can be tilted or rotated to place the patient in a lateral lying position while remaining in the same chair. This dynamic positioning provides easy access for caregivers to perform sanitary clean-up on the patient's excretory areas while maintaining patient stability through the supportive chair structure.
4Ease of operation
If multiple lifting procedures are performed to transfer the patient between chair, wheelchair, and toilet, then toileting can be completed, but the patient becomes uncomfortable and may have to actively participate in the lifting processes
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the chair and commode into a single unit, the patient does not need to be transferred between separate locations or devices. The patient remains in the same comfortable chair throughout the toileting process, eliminating the discomfort and active participation required by multiple lifting procedures. The integrated design allows toileting to occur in the familiar, comfortable seating position.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention presents a commode chair apparatus designed for individuals needing assistance with toileting and sanitation. It enables a seamless transition from an upright to a lateral position, reducing the physical strain and time required for patient care. The apparatus consists of a base, a pivotably attached chair for side rotation, a bed component for side support, and interchangeable armrest and table components. A key feature is the interchangeable seat system, allowing for a standard sitting seat to be swapped with a toileting seat, facilitating easy access for sanitation and therapy. This innovative design not only makes the toileting process more efficient but also enhances comfort and safety for the user, offering solutions for air circulation and pressure relief. It represents a significant advancement in healthcare assistive technologies, providing improved convenience and quality of care, for those with mobility challenges.