Apparatus for securing a collapsible water dam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible water dams in shower stalls lack stability and effective water retention at the ends, leading to potential slips and instability, especially in barrier-free and curbless shower setups.
Innovation Solution
The development of end-caps with semi-cylindrical housings, side flanges, and barrier walls that create a secure chamber for the collapsible water dam, providing a tight fit and stability by coupling with the shower walls and floor, made from thermoplastic elastomer materials like TPV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If collapsible water dam is used in barrier-free shower, then accessibility is improved, but water retention and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water dam system is segmented into modular components: the collapsible dam body and separate end caps. Each end cap is independently attachable to secure the dam ends, providing reliable water retention while maintaining the accessibility benefits of the collapsible design.
Solution Approach 2:
The end caps are pre-configured with anchoring mechanisms and sealing surfaces before installation. The barbed edges and flange structures are prepared in advance to ensure proper engagement with the dam and shower wall, guaranteeing effective water retention from the start of use.
2Ease of operation
If collapsible water dam is used in barrier-free shower, then accessibility is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stability issue is addressed by segmenting the securing function into separate end caps that attach to both the dam and the shower wall. This segmentation allows the dam body to remain collapsible for accessibility while the end caps provide fixed anchoring points for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The end caps are designed to nest onto the ends of the collapsible dam, with the barbed edges engaging inside the dam structure. This nested configuration ensures that the dam is firmly held in place by the end caps, which are further secured to the shower wall, providing stable installation.
3Device complexity
If simple end caps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but water retention and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap design merges multiple functions into a single component: the housing provides structural support, the barbed edges provide mechanical anchoring, the flanges provide wall mounting capability, and the integrated seal provides water retention. This consolidation achieves reliable performance without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously achieves anchoring (via barbed edges), wall mounting (via flanges with mounting holes), sealing (via integrated seals), and structural support (via housing). This multi-functionality provides reliable water retention and stability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securing a collapsible water dam is an end-cap with a semi-cylindrical housing. The end-cap further includes a side flange coupled to each side of the housing at the bottom periphery of the outside wall of housing. The end-cap further includes a barrier wall inside the housing that creates a secure chamber for housing a collapsible water dam. The end-cap further includes a wall flange at the distal end of the housing. The wall flange couples to and joins both side flanges in a configuration that provides a tight fit with the end wall of a shower.