A ‘Mobile Smart Shower Room’ developed by a Qatar University professor can be a great support for the elderly and the people with special needs, according to the latest edition of QU research magazine. The inventor and designer is Dr Ahmed Elkhatat , section head, Research Planning and Co-ordination, Office of the Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies, and a teaching assistant in Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, QU.
The ‘Mobile Smart Shower Room’, received a great response when it was presented at the 8th edition of the programme ‘Stars of Science,’ an edutainment television programme by Qatar Foundation.
The dedicated team to the programme worked on converting this design into a practical product that was tested on ground.
In the magazine article, Dr Elkhatat pointed out that simple and daily chores, considered a normal part of life for some people, such as showering, may be considered a source of anxiety and embarrassment for people who suffer from certain disabilities.
The fibre glass structure, strengthened with epoxy and metal, ensures maximum safety for users who may have balance problems. The system provides an emergency key to stop the process of showering immediately if any problem occurs.
The design is focused on user comfort by providing warm water and air from the beginning and controlling the temperature of water as desired. The height of the chair in the shower room can be controlled as required. The warm upper cover is made from a water-resistant substance to provide a feeling of safety and privacy in addition to avoiding suffocation.
The room is equipped with a group of technically developed systems and machines. A central pump draws water from a tank equipped with sensors to measure the water temperature and level. Water is sprayed through 20 bath nozzles.
There is also an air system responsible for the hot air flow that contributes to the process of drying after the shower. A central fan produces heated air. The interface is touch responsive. The mobile shower room is not only for providing the user with safety and comfort, but also for promoting self-confidence and a feeling of independence, the magazine added.
The ‘Mobile Smart Shower Room’.
