Polyurethane-Encapsulated Bathing Vessel Base for ANSI Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic bathing vessels often fail to meet the minimum strength and deflection requirements set by standards like ANSI, necessitating innovative manufacturing methods to enhance structural integrity while minimizing the need for additional adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A bathing vessel design featuring a base support with a base board encapsulated in polyurethane material, combined with a multi-layer structure of polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and acrylic materials, and a wood-containing composite panel base board that forms a strong chemical bond, eliminating the need for separate adhesives and optimizing strength and deflection performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plastic bathing vessels are manufactured using conventional methods, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but strength and deflection requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a base board with polyurethane material to create a bathing vessel base that meets strength requirements. The composite structure integrates two different materials with complementary properties: the base board provides structural framework while the polyurethane material adds strength and rigidity, resolving the contradiction between maintaining manufacturing simplicity and achieving required strength.
2Strength
If additional adhesives are used to enhance structural integrity, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive function into the polyurethane material itself, which serves both as a structural component and as the bonding agent. This integration eliminates the need for separate adhesive materials and application steps, thereby improving structural integrity while avoiding increased manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurethane material performs the dual function of providing structural support and acting as an adhesive to bond the base board components together. This self-service approach allows the material to accomplish multiple functions simultaneously, enhancing structural integrity without requiring additional adhesives or complex assembly processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively meets ANSI standards for strength and deflection, reducing the risk of structural failure and eliminating the need for additional adhesive materials, thereby enhancing the durability and safety of the bathing vessel.
Implementation Method 1
The base board is at least partially encapsulated in a polyurethane material... forms a strong chemical bond, eliminating the need for separate adhesives
Data Source
AI summary
A bathing vessel includes a base support having a base board that extends between a top, a bottom, first and second side edges, and first and second ends. Two legs are attached on the bottom of the base board, inboard from the respective first and second side edges. The base board is at least partially encapsulated in a polyurethane material.