CN109788877B

CN109788877B - Intelligent shower compartment

Info

Publication number: CN109788877B
Application number: CN201680088112.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 艾哈迈德·穆罕默德·雷达·埃尔哈塔特
Original assignee: Qatar University
Current assignee: Qatar University
Priority date: 2016-07-29
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2022-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-29
Also published as: WO2018022073A1; CN109788877A

Abstract

The intelligent shower cubicle (SSC) (100) is a closed cubicle provided with a water-air sprayer system (WANS) which sprays soap water/air, pure water/air or air alone, respectively, for washing, rinsing or drying purposes. The SSC (100) includes a water tank (104) with a heater and sensor, a water pump (218), an air compressor (220) for spraying a water/air mixture, and a tubing/hose system with electronic valves for connecting to the WANS. The SSC (100) is supported by an electronic control system that controls washing, rinsing, drying, water flow rate, air flow rate and pressure. The SSC (100) is provided with a height adjustable mesh chair (HANC) (110) that provides both safety and comfort without interfering with the wash, rinse and dry cycle. The SSC (100) does not require connection to a water/drain system because it contains both a water tank and a drain tank. Therefore, the SSC (100) is considered a portable system.

Description

Intelligent shower compartment

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to shower systems, and more particularly to an intelligent shower stall that provides a portable shower assembly for elderly and disabled people in a closed stall.

Background

For those with reduced mobility (including elderly and disabled), it can be difficult to enter and exit a typical shower room. Most shower enclosures include a raised wall for containing water within the shower enclosure. Such a wall is an obstacle for some users, as it requires the user to cross the wall into the bathroom. This can be difficult or even dangerous for those with reduced mobility due to injury or injury, as the user must cross the shower wall one leg at a time while maintaining monopod balance. While this is easily accomplished by people with normal health and strength, physical injury and age can quickly reduce a person's ability to engage in such daily activities.

Therefore, there is a need for an intelligent shower stall that addresses the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

The intelligent shower cubicle (SSC) is a closed cubicle provided with a water-air sprayer system (WANS) which sprays soap water/air, pure water/air or air alone, respectively, for washing, rinsing or drying purposes. The SSC contains a water tank with a heater and sensor, a water pump, an air compressor that ejects a water/air mixture, and a tubing/hose system with electronic valves that connects to the WANS. SSC is supported by an electronic control system that controls washing, rinsing, drying, water flow rate, air flow rate and pressure. SSC is provided with a height adjustable mesh chair (HANC) which is safe and comfortable, without interfering with the washing, rinsing and drying cycle. The SSC does not need to be connected to a water/drain system because it contains both a water tank and a drain tank. Therefore, SSCs are considered portable systems.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent upon further reading of the following specification and drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an intelligent shower stall according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the system design of the intelligent shower stall according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hot air system of an intelligent shower stall according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the hydraulic system of the intelligent shower stall according to the present invention.

Like reference numerals designate corresponding features throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

The intelligent shower cubicle (SSC) is a closed cubicle that includes a water-air sprayer system (WANS) that sprays soap water/air, pure water/air or air alone, respectively, for washing, rinsing or drying purposes. The SSC contains a water tank with a heater and sensor, a water pump and an air compressor for spraying out the water/air mixture. A pipe/hose system with an electronic valve is connected to the WANS. SSC is supported by an electronic control system that controls washing, rinsing, drying, water flow rate, air flow rate and pressure.

SSC is provided with a height adjustable mesh chair (HANC) which is safe and comfortable, without interfering with the washing, rinsing and drying cycle. The SSC does not need to be connected to an external water/drain system because it contains both a water tank and a drain tank. Therefore, SSCs are considered portable systems.

The intelligent shower stall 100 of the present invention provides dignity, independence and privacy for the elderly and disabled and greatly reduces the risk of bath injury. SSCs can be used as a safe and luxurious tool for those who want to enjoy a relaxing and revitalizing bathing experience, while utilizing the power of compressed air and water to simultaneously achieve maximum cleaning and minimum water consumption. SSC provides hygiene in that warm compressed air is used instead of towels for the final stage of drying. The heating system is used for adjusting the water temperature.

The intelligent compartment is programmed to provide a number of programs, for example, a "full wash" program, which includes a soapy water cycle, then a water wash cycle, and finally a warm air cycle for drying. Another procedure, "spiritual washing" involves only a cold water cycle followed by a drying cycle.

Different programs may be included in addition to the above-described loop. The touch screen control panel 106 is used for programming and may also be used as an entertainment tool. The touch screen control panel 106 may be of a type having a convenient textureMicroprocessor-based systems of programs and additional components incorporated in other circuits, e.g. based on

A system of microcontrollers. An exemplary Arduino microcontroller circuit may pass

(Bluetooth is a registered trademark of bruttes SIG ltd. (Bluetooth SIG, Inc.) (BT module) communicates with a Sony Experia waterproof smart phone (or other smart phone) and runs a loop program. Since Arduino operates at 12V DC; it is connected to a 12V DC power supply (SMPS) in the system. Arduino has a pre-programmed P1D controller algorithm for achieving this. Since the solenoid valve in the hydraulic system is rated at 24V AC, a 24V transformer is built in. The power supply is switched to the solenoid valve using a mechanical relay. The relays are controlled by a microcontroller of the touch screen control panel 106.

SSC uses a 25 gallon water tank. Including heating elements and sensors/thermostats, plunger pumps/motors, air compressors, high pressure hoses, tubing, air-water jets, soap jets, height adjustable mesh chairs, tablets, plumbing fittings and spare parts. The components are electronically connected to provide programmability through the control panel 106.

Referring now to fig. 1, the smart shower stall 100 of the present invention has an enclosure side wall 160, an enclosure bottom wall 162 and an enclosure top wall 164 defining the interior volume of the stall 100. To facilitate access to the interior of the shower stall, an access door 116 is provided along an opening in one of the side walls 160 to allow access through the access door 116. The entry door 116 pivots outwardly from the side wall 160, and the entry door 116 aligns with an opening in the side wall 160 to seal the compartment from water leakage when the entry door 116 is closed. The SSC 100 is provided with a safety lock that can stop the whole system in case of emergency as soon as the access door 116 is opened from inside. The touch screen control panel 106 is disposed outside of the enclosure top wall 164. The hinged access door 108 is disposed along an opening of the enclosure top wall 164. The access door 108 may have apertures positioned to allow the extremities of a user to pass through to contact the touch screen control panel 106.

The lattice structure 112 defines a floor portion of the interior volume of the shower stall, and the lattice structure 112 defining the floor portion is disposed above the enclosure bottom wall 162 and allows water to drain through the floor and into the enclosure bottom wall 162. The water tank 104 is attached to an exterior portion of one sidewall 160 of the smart shower stall 100. One or more water delivery jets 114 are disposed within the shower stall and are operable through a manifold 240 (shown in fig. 2 and 3). The plunger water pump 218 has an inlet connected to the water tank 104 by an inlet supply line 230. A connecting inlet filter 232 may be provided between the water pump 218 and the water tank 104. A bypass hose 234 may bypass the connection of the inlet filter 232 to the water tank 104. A bath gel container 224 corresponding to the control valve 222 is connected to an inlet portion of the water pump 218.

A plunger of the water pump 218 is connected to the motor 216, and the motor 216 actuates the plunger to pressurize water flowing from an outlet of the water pump 218 to a high pressure line 228, which high pressure line 228 feeds the manifold 240 and the soap delivery manifold 214. The soap delivery manifold 214 feeds a soap delivery nozzle 213. The air compressor 220 is also connected to a manifold 240 to allow an adjustable mixture of air and/or water to pass through the water delivery nozzle 114.

As shown in fig. 4, a drain 406 is provided. The drain 406 may be disposed in the enclosure bottom wall 162 and thus adapted to drain water from the enclosure bottom wall 162. A drain tank may be connected at the drain connection that receives and stores the effluent from drain pipe 406. The particular embodiment shown in fig. 4 illustrates a hydraulic system 400. The hydraulic system 400 is responsible for the wash and flush cycle and includes a water inlet with a solenoid valve 408c disposed between the inlet and the tank 104. Initially, the water tank 104 is filled while monitoring the temperature. Solenoid valve 408c is used to fill the tank, while a built-in temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature. A water level/float switch 205 is provided within the water tank 104 to adjust the water level in the water tank 104. The drain solenoid valve 408d is disposed between the drain port of the water tank 104 and the drain pipe 406. As long as the temperature is not within acceptable limits, water is bled through the drain solenoid valve 408 d. When there is sufficient water in the tank (as measured by the level/float switch 205), the shower cycle begins. A drain/flow pump 410 is disposed between the tank 104 and the pair of

valves

408a and 408 b. Valve 408a supplies manifold 452a and manifold 452a supplies mist head 402. In one embodiment, there may be as many as fourteen mist jets responsible for the wetting cycle and eighteen spray jets responsible for the soaping and shower cycles. Valve 408b supplies manifold 452b and manifold 452b supplies showerhead 404. Disposed between the connection of the drain/flow pump 410 and the

valves

408a and 408b is a feeding device comprising a liquid soap reservoir 412 corresponding to a pressure pump 414 and a check valve 416. The wash cycle begins by activating the pump 410 and spraying water through the mist head 402 using the solenoid valve 408 a. After "spraying" for a predetermined number of seconds, valve 408a is closed and valve 408b is opened to initiate flow through the spray head. Soap can be added to the sprayer by activating a small pressure pump 414.

Referring again to fig. 1, the height adjustable mesh chair (HANC)110 has a base 151 attached to a mesh structure 112 defining a floor portion and telescoping tubes 152 extending upwardly from the base 151, the mesh structure (mesh chair 110) being attached to the upper portion of the telescoping tubes 152. As shown in FIG. 1, the mesh chair 110 has an angled foot support portion, an angled lower leg support portion, an angled thigh/hip support portion, and an angled back support portion.

In addition, vertically extending water transport tubes 123 disposed along one of the containment sidewalls 160 connect the water delivery nozzles 114 to the manifold 240. The smart shower stall 100 is portable and can be pushed into its operative position due to the wheels 102 provided on the outside of the enclosure bottom wall 162.

As shown in fig. 3, the hot air delivery system 300 is responsible for the drying process (which starts after the completion of the shower cycle) and the addition of warm air during the shower process and comprises a centrifugal fan 301 connected to a hot air hose, the centrifugal fan 301 feeding a hot air manifold 302, the hot air manifold 302 feeding a hot air hose 340, the hot air hose 340 being connected to a hot air spray head 314. Air may also be supplied from the air compressor 220 instead of the centrifugal fan 301 so that the air compressor 220 may be connected to the hot air hose 303. The heating element 326 is disposed within the hot air hose 303, and the hot air hose 303 may have a temperature sensor embedded therein to monitor the hot air temperature. In order to regulate the power of the heating element of the hot air delivery system 300, a Solid State Relay (SSR) has been used. A single phase inverter 418 (shown in figure 4) powers the centrifugal fan 301. The single phase inverter 418 controls the speed of the centrifugal ventilator 301 (in this embodiment, an air pump). If the air compressor 220 is used instead of the centrifugal fan 301 to generate air, an electromagnetic air control valve is used to control the air flow rate. Four different settings have been programmed to be selected by a program in the microcontroller of the touch screen control panel 106.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A smart shower stall, comprising:

a shower stall having an enclosure bottom wall, an enclosure top wall, and a plurality of enclosure sidewalls defining an interior volume, wherein one enclosure sidewall has defined therein a side opening configured to allow a user to step into the interior volume of the shower stall;

an access door attached to the enclosure sidewall defining the side opening therein, the access door adapted to operatively seal the side opening and prevent leakage when the access door is closed;

a grid structure defining a floor portion of the shower stall interior volume, the grid structure defining the floor portion being disposed above the enclosure bottom wall and allowing water to drain through the floor and into the enclosure bottom wall;

a water tank connected to an exterior portion of one sidewall of the shower stall;

a water pump connected to the water tank;

a manifold connected to the water pump;

at least one water delivery spray head disposed within the shower stall and operable through the manifold;

a drain disposed in the enclosure bottom wall and adapted to drain water from the enclosure bottom wall;

a drain tank connected to the drain pipe, the drain tank receiving and storing water drained from the bottom wall of the enclosure;

a height adjustable, mesh chair having a base attached to the floor section and telescoping tubes extending upwardly from the base, the telescoping tubes having an upper portion, the chair having a lattice structure support portion attached to the upper portion of the telescoping tubes;

a top opening defined in the enclosure top wall, the top opening adapted to allow a user to contact an exterior portion of the shower stall when the user is seated within the shower stall;

an access door attached to the enclosure top wall, the access door adapted to operatively seal the top opening and prevent leakage when the access door is closed, but still allow the user to access an exterior portion of the shower compartment;

a touch screen control panel operable by said at least one water delivery spout, said touch screen control panel disposed on said enclosure top wall, said touch screen control panel having means for programming said shower stall and displaying entertainment to said user.

2. A smart shower stall as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grid structure support section comprises:

a foot support portion disposed at an angle;

a lower leg support portion disposed at an angle;

an angled thigh/hip support portion; and

an angled back support portion.

3. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a roller on which the enclosure bottom wall is mounted.

4. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a water conduit disposed along at least one containment wall, the water conduit connecting the at least one water jet to the manifold.

5. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a thermostat disposed within the water tank and a heating element.

6. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising:

a shower gel container disposed within the smart shower stall;

a control valve connected to the shower gel container, the water pump having an inlet connected to the control valve and the water tank;

a soap delivery manifold, the water pump having an outlet connected to the soap delivery manifold; and

a soap delivery nozzle disposed in the shower bay and connected to the soap delivery manifold.

7. The intelligent shower stall of claim 6, further comprising an inlet filter disposed between the water pump inlet and the water tank.

8. The intelligent shower stall of claim 6, wherein the water pump is a plunger pump.

9. The intelligent shower stall of claim 8, further comprising a plunger pump motor connected to the plunger pump for high pressure delivery of soap and water to the spray head.

10. The intelligent shower stall of claim 9, further comprising a single phase inverter connected to and powering the plunger pump.

11. The smart shower stall of claim 1, further comprising an air compressor connected to the manifold.

12. The smart shower stall of claim 11, further comprising an air heating element disposed between the air compressor and the manifold.

13. The intelligent shower stall of claim 12, further comprising a level/float switch disposed within the water tank for regulating the flow/level of water into the water tank.

14. The smart shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a solenoid valve connected between the water tank and the drain, the solenoid valve being selectively energized to allow water to drain directly from the water tank to the drain.

15. The intelligent shower stall of claim 14, further comprising means for draining the water tank until a desired water temperature in the water tank is reached.

16. The smart shower stall of claim 15, wherein the touch screen control panel further comprises means for initiating a shower, rinse and dry sequence applied to a user within the shower stall.