Adjustable shower curtain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shower curtains do not effectively provide adjustable bathing space in bathtubs, leading to cramped sensations and stress on fasteners due to the weight of the shower rod.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable shower curtain with a substantially planar profile and an operatively coupled adjustable portion that can be modified to increase or decrease the enclosure space by applying pressure, featuring a flexible rib structure and securing members for attachment to a curtain rod and bathtub.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional shower curtain is used, then the installation is simple, but the bathing space cannot be adjusted leading to cramped sensations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebathing space adjustabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shower curtain incorporates an adjustable portion that can dynamically change its configuration between a first configuration (increasing enclosure space) and a second configuration (decreasing enclosure space). This dynamic adjustment allows the curtain to adapt to different bathing needs while maintaining ease of use through simple user manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curtain utilizes a flexible rib structure that can change its physical state between rigid and flexible configurations. By changing the parameter of rib flexibility, the curtain enables users to adjust the bathing space without complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the shower rod is positioned to provide adequate bathing space, then the enclosure space is increased, but stress on fasteners increases due to the weight of the shower rod

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure spaceVSAvoidfastener stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable portion allows the curtain to dynamically adjust its position and configuration, enabling adequate bathing space without requiring a fixed heavy shower rod installation. The curtain can be adjusted to provide necessary space while distributing weight differently, reducing fastener stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible rib structure allows the curtain to maintain its shape and provide enclosure space without requiring rigid support structures like heavy shower rods. This flexibility enables adequate bathing space while significantly reducing the weight burden on fasteners and mounting hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9549644B2Adjustable shower curtain

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 MCLEOD NORMAN

AI summary

The present invention provides an adjustable shower curtain. In one embodiment, the apparatus for modifying a substantially planar profile of a bathtub curtain in a bathing enclosure space comprises a shower curtain, wherein the shower curtain comprises a top side, a bottom side, a left lateral side, a right lateral side, a length, and a width, wherein a surface defined by the top side, the bottom side, the left lateral side, and the right lateral side is positionable in a substantially planar profile; an adjustable portion operatively coupled to the shower curtain enabling a user to modify the substantially planar profile of the shower curtain surface, wherein the shower curtain surface is configured to substantially conform to the contour of the adjustable portion.