Bathtub apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathtub electrocardiograph systems struggle to accurately detect electrocardiographic signals when a water discharge device is used, due to interference from air bubbles generated by the water discharge.
Innovation Solution
The bathtub apparatus includes an electrode attached to the bathtub main body to detect electrocardiographic signals, with the electrode positioned closer to the first inner wall surface than the point where water from the discharge device hits the water surface, effectively reducing the impact of air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is discharged into the bathtub to provide warming and massaging effects, then bathing comfort is improved, but air bubbles are generated that interfere with electrocardiographic signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful air bubbles generated by water discharge are extracted from the detection area by positioning the electrode on the opposite side of the bathtub from the water discharge device, allowing the water discharge function to operate without interfering with signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the electrode detection function to a different spatial dimension (opposite side of the bathtub) relative to the water discharge function, separating the two operations in space to eliminate interference while maintaining both functions
2Reliability
If the electrode is positioned to detect electrocardiographic signals through water, then health monitoring is enabled, but the electrode is affected by air bubbles and water surface ripples
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is extracted from the water surface area and positioned on the opposite side wall, removing it from the zone affected by air bubbles and water ripples while maintaining its ability to detect electrocardiographic signals through the water
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode position is pre-positioned on the opposite side wall before water discharge occurs, creating a buffer zone that protects the detection area from the harmful effects of air bubble generation and water surface disturbance
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
This configuration allows for accurate detection of electrocardiographic signals even when water is being discharged, by minimizing the influence of air bubbles and ensuring the electrode remains submerged and unaffected by water surface ripples.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode that is attached to the bathtub main body to detect an electrocardiographic signal of a bathing person via water that is stored in the bathtub main body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a bathtub apparatus capable of satisfactorily detecting an electrocardiographic signal even in a state where water is being discharged into a bathtub by a water discharge device. The present invention is a bathtub apparatus (1) including a bathtub main body (2), a water discharge device (8) that discharges water toward inside of the bathtub main body and is provided above a first inner wall surface (2a) forming a short side of the bathtub main body, and electrodes (4a, 4b, 4c) attached to the bathtub main body to detect an electrocardiographic signal of a bathing person, where the electrodes are arranged on an inner wall surface of the bathtub main body, and are arranged closer to the first inner wall surface than a position (P) where water discharged from the water discharge device hits a water surface of the water stored in the bathtub main body.