Bathtub With Adjustable Support Means For Buoyancy Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for simulating buoyancy, such as adding large amounts of salts to water, are not economically viable or accessible, and individuals with mobility issues find it difficult to practice natural flotation in traditional settings.
Innovation Solution
A bathtub with adjustable supporting means that allow users to experience buoyancy without adding salts, enabling partial or total body suspension in water, accommodating various anatomies and providing easy access for those with mobility issues, and incorporating hydromassage functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large amounts of salts are added to water to achieve natural flotation, then the water density increases and buoyancy is improved, but the cost and complexity of the solution worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces supporting means (mechanical intermediary) to assist flotation instead of modifying the water composition. The supporting means provide the necessary upward force to help users float without requiring salt addition, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving buoyancy and avoiding solution complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying water density (chemical parameter) to using mechanical support (physical parameter). By adjusting the supporting means rather than water composition, the system achieves flotation assistance without the complexity of salt management.
2Force
If traditional flotation pools with high salt concentration are used, then natural flotation is achieved, but accessibility and ease of operation worsen for people with mobility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means act as a mediator that provides mechanical assistance for entry and positioning. Users with mobility issues can be supported by these means during entry and while positioning themselves in the water, eliminating the need to struggle against high-density water or complex pool mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting means are designed to be easily adjustable and operable by users themselves or with minimal assistance. The system enables users to control their own positioning and flotation assistance without requiring complex operational procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable supporting means are added to the bathtub, then ease of operation and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means are divided into multiple independent, adjustable elements rather than a single complex structure. Each element can be independently positioned and configured, allowing adaptation to different user needs while keeping individual components simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting means incorporate adjustable and movable elements that can be reconfigured for different users and situations. This dynamic capability provides adaptability without requiring a completely different structure for each user, as the same basic structure can be dynamically adjusted.
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
Enables users to experience the benefits of buoyancy and relaxation in a domestic setting, simplifying entry and maintaining the floating position, and allowing for personalized therapy at home, including for patients needing massage and physiotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
water buoyancy (with the addition of large amounts of salts) counteracts the force of gravity of the body and creates a feeling of weightlessness
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A bathtub (1) which comprises: − a main body (2) having side walls (22, 22a, 22b), at least one of which presents an inner surface provided with guide means (3); − supporting means (4) engaged with guide means (3) and configured for supporting at least a portion of user's body in order to allow, in use, simulating user flotation.