The Adjustable Assistive Showerhead provides people with limited mobility in their hands or arms a more thorough, efficient, and comfortable cleaning than traditional showerheads do. By allowing users to soap and scrub their head with the simple activation of two levers, they can clean themselves thoroughly and quickly. This device can eliminate the need for aid from another person and foster independence. A user may now wash their head without having to lift their hand or scrub with their fingers. The showerhead eliminates strain in their arms and hands, and it prevents pain caused by uncomfortable motions.

 

Medium: PVC Pipe, Nylon Tubing, Various Hardware
Original Size: 120x40 cm

Created 2/2011

The concept sketch illustrates the basic mechanical functions of the showerhead and how they accommodate the user. Controls for height adjustment and shampoo dispersal are located within a very small range of arm motion, while the hydro-powered rotating bristles provide scrubbing action to the user’s head.

The system is designed with an adjustable D-Frame that can raise/lower the showerhead <70 centimeters onto the user’s head with only <20 centimeters movement of the adjustment handle. A lightweight PVC frame allows the system to hang on hooked suction cups, making it portable and versatile for any bathroom.

The showerhead simulates fingertip scrubbing using rotating bristles. It works in any shower with running water because pressurized water drives a hydro-turbine. Nylon bristles are soft enough for gentle and thorough cleaning. Clips at the front of the frame allow an aid to detach the showerhead and apply it elsewhere.

An angled view of the system installed in a standard bathroom. The top right image details how the D-frame uses two hooked suction cups and rubber grips for attachment to the bathroom tile. The bottom right image details the condensed cluster of controls for height adjustment and shampoo pumping.

The height adjustment handle has two degrees of freedom to make locking and unlocking easy. A suction-cup is ideal for the handle because it doesn’t require additional hardware and is not limited to finite increments. The hand pumps also deliver shampoo/conditioner to the user’s head with little hand motion.

A front facing view of the Adjustable Assistive Shower device installed in a tiled shower. Its slim and lightweight construction is non-intrusive and elegantly integrates into any bathroom.