Adjustable Shower Tray Gutter for Floor-Level Tile Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of barrier-free or floor-level showers is complicated by the need for precise screed slopes and the difficulty in adapting conventional shower systems to different tile formats, leading to inefficient drainage and increased tile cutting waste.
Innovation Solution
A shower base element featuring a plate-shaped support made of hard foam with a recess for a shower channel, where the channel is sealed around the edge and has a frame with projections allowing horizontal displacement, enabling easy adjustment to various tile formats and reducing the need for precise tile cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional shower system with fixed drain position is used, then the drainage function is provided, but the system cannot be adapted to different tile formats leading to increased tile cutting waste
Solution Approach 1:
The frame of the shower channel is made displaceable relative to the support element through projections that engage with slots or gaps, allowing the frame to be dynamically repositioned to different locations depending on the tile layout, thereby adapting to various tile formats without requiring tile cutting
Solution Approach 2:
The shower channel is divided into separate components: a support element with recess, a frame with projections, and a grate. This segmentation allows the frame to be independently positioned and adjusted relative to the support element, enabling adaptation to different tile configurations while minimizing tile cutting waste
2Reliability
If precise screed slopes are required for proper drainage, then effective drainage is achieved, but the construction process becomes complicated and difficult to reproduce
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is pre-formed with a recess that has a predetermined slope towards the drainage opening. This preliminary preparation of the draining surface eliminates the need for complex screed work during installation, as the slope is already built into the support element structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as an intermediary component between the flat installation surface and the drainage channel. It provides the necessary slope transition and directs water flow to the drainage opening, simplifying the overall construction by incorporating the sloping function into a single pre-fabricated element
3Productivity
If the shower channel is positioned in the middle for good drainage, then drainage efficiency is improved, but the user comes into direct contact with the shower grate when showering
Solution Approach 1:
The frame with projections allows the shower channel to be dynamically repositioned from the traditional central location to alternative positions such as near glass shower doors or partitions. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimal placement that maintains drainage efficiency while avoiding user contact with the grate
4Reliability
If a rectangular drip pan with diagonal divisions is used, then drainage towards the drain is achieved, but tiles or natural stone slabs must be cut several times leading to considerable waste
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be displaceable on the support element, allowing it to be positioned at optimal locations that align with the natural stone slabs or tiles. This eliminates the need for diagonal cuts required by fixed rectangular drip pan designs, thereby reducing tile waste while maintaining drainage functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
The unit has a plate shaped support unit (2`), which is made of foam e.g. hard foam. The unit (2`) has a recess (3`) in which a shower drain channel or a triangular floor drain is inserted. The unit (2`) has inclined surface which bends during supporting on a horizontal base or underground at its upper side in the direction of recess. The passage of shower drain channel or the floor drain to the surface of the support unit is provided with sealing surrounding the edge of the channel or the drain.