Bath Curtain Rod Assembly With Lockable Tubes and Wall-Safe Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bath curtain rod installations require drilling into walls or using adhesives, which can be invasive and risky, and do not offer easy repositioning or removal.

Innovation Solution

The design features axially movable and lockable tubes with extendable contact ends that secure to a bath structure without screws or adhesives, allowing for quick installation and easy repositioning by axially moving and locking the tubes, and extending the contact ends to press against the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional installation methods (drilling and screws or adhesives) are used, then the bath curtain rod can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes invasive and time-consuming, and wall damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidwall damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting mechanism consisting of a mounting block and mounting member that interfaces between the bath curtain rod and the wall structure. This intermediary system allows secure mounting through friction and mechanical interlocking without direct drilling into the wall, thereby achieving reliable mounting security while avoiding wall damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drilling and screw-fastening system with a friction-based mechanical interlocking system. The mounting member engages with the mounting block through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for invasive drilling operations while maintaining secure mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional installation methods (drilling and screws or adhesives) are used, then the bath curtain rod can be securely mounted, but the installation and repositioning process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic mounting system where the mounting member can be easily inserted into and removed from the mounting block. The friction-based connection allows for quick assembly and disassembly without requiring tools or complex procedures, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure mounting during use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting block attached to the rod and a mounting member that interfaces with the wall structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and assembled, simplifying the installation process and enabling quick repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional installation methods (drilling and screws or adhesives) are used, then the bath curtain rod can be securely mounted, but removal and repositioning becomes difficult and damaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidrepositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic friction-based connection allows the mounting member to be easily removed from the mounting block by overcoming the friction force, enabling simple repositioning and removal without wall damage. The same friction mechanism maintains secure mounting during normal use, providing both reliability and ease of repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting block and member are designed with pre-configured geometric features that guide proper alignment and engagement during installation. This preliminary design ensures that the components naturally align and lock into place without requiring precise drilling or complex assembly procedures, facilitating easy repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9009878B2Bath curtain rod assemblies
Publication Date: 2015.04.21 MAYTEX MILLS INC
  • US9009878B2 patent drawing
  • US9009878B2 patent drawing
  • US9009878B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Bath curtain rod assemblies are disclosed comprising axially movable tubes that may be locked into position in relation with each other. A contact end is extended from one of the tubes to engage and press against a bath support structure to firmly secure the assembly in place. The bath curtain rod assemblies may be installed quickly and easily in bath and shower stalls without the necessity of screws or adhesives.