Bath Screen Channel Member to Prevent Hinge Water Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bath screens with movable panels often experience water leakage between the fixed and movable panels, causing water to spill onto the bathtub rim and floor, which is not effectively contained.
Innovation Solution
A bath screen design featuring a channel member at the lower corner or edge of the fixed or movable panel, extending beneath the hinges, collects and diverts water inboard, preventing leakage and ensuring water stays within the bathtub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable panel is attached to the fixed panel by hinges to provide easier movement into and out of the bathtub, then ease of operation is improved, but water leakage occurs between the fixed panel and the movable panel
Solution Approach 1:
A channel member is introduced as an intermediary component between the fixed panel and movable panel. This channel member extends beneath the hinges and provides a dedicated pathway for water that would otherwise leak through the hinge gap, thereby maintaining water containment while preserving the movable panel's functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The water containment function is segmented from the panel structure by introducing a separate channel member. This segmentation allows the channel to specifically address water leakage through the hinge gap without interfering with the hinge's mechanical function of enabling panel movement
2Device complexity
If water leaks between the movable panel and the fixed panel, then the simplicity of the hinge connection is maintained, but water spills onto the bathtub rim and floor causing harm
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge gap, which inherently causes water leakage, is converted into a beneficial feature by providing a dedicated channel beneath it. The channel member transforms the harmful leakage path into a controlled water collection and diversion system, eliminating water spillage while maintaining the simple hinge connection
Data Source
AI summary
A bath screen for mounting on a rim of a bathtub includes a fixed part and a movable panel attached to the fixed part by one or more hinges. The bath screen also includes a channel member disposed at or near a lower corner or edge of the fixed part or the movable panel and extending beneath the one or more hinges, the channel member being arranged to collect water falling from above and to divert the collected water inboard of the one or more hinges.