Bath Rack with Foldable Ladder for Independent Pet Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bath racks do not allow pets to easily enter and exit a bathtub at a high position, making it difficult for users to clean larger pets without straining themselves.

Innovation Solution

A bath rack system comprising a rack body, a bathtub, and a foldable ladder, where the foldable ladder allows pets to enter and exit the bathtub at a high position, and can be folded and hidden under the bathtub to avoid interference during cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the bathtub is positioned at a high location to save floor space, then space utilization is improved, but it becomes difficult for pets to enter and exit independently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor space utilizationVSAvoidpet's ability to enter and exit bathtub

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The solution divides the entry/exit function into separate components: a foldable ladder with multiple steps that bridges the gap between floor level and the elevated bathtub, allowing pets to ascend and descend independently without requiring the bathtub to be at floor level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable ladder acts as an intermediary structure between the floor and the elevated bathtub, providing a gradual transition that enables pets to access the high-positioned bathtub independently, thus resolving the contradiction between space saving and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a fixed ladder is installed to allow pets to access the bathtub, then pet accessibility is improved, but the device occupies space and may interfere with the bathing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepet accessibility to bathtubVSAvoidspace occupied by ladder

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ladder is designed to be foldable rather than fixed, allowing it to be collapsed and stored when not in use. This dynamic structure provides pet accessibility when needed while minimizing space occupation and avoiding interference with the bathing process when folded away

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ladder is extracted from the permanent structure and made into a removable, foldable component that can be deployed only when pets need to access the bathtub, thus eliminating continuous space occupation and potential interference during bathing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If the bathtub is positioned at a high location, then space utilization is improved, but user strain increases when cleaning large pets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor space utilizationVSAvoiduser strain during pet cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rack body is designed to extend vertically in the height dimension, elevating the bathtub to save floor space, while simultaneously providing structural support and positioning features that reduce the effective lifting distance and strain on users during pet cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12302858B2Bath rack

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 TAN GROW INC

AI summary

A bath rack includes a rack body, a bathtub disposed on the rack body which is capable of supporting the bathtub to a predetermined height; and a foldable ladder pivotally installed on the rack body, so that a pet is allowed to enter and exit the bathtub at a high position through the foldable ladder by itself, so as to facilitate the user to clean the pet with a relatively large size by the bath rack.