Bathtub Concealing Module for Plumbing and Therapy Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-alone bathtubs present challenges in concealing plumbing fixtures and non-standard accessories like water pumps, air turbines, and LED lighting due to their free-standing nature, making it difficult to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment for therapies such as hydro-massaging, lumino-therapy, and aroma therapy.
Innovation Solution
A fixture concealing module with an enclosure that surrounds plumbing conduits, allows for easy access and concealment of equipment, and includes insulated compartments for noise-generating accessories, enabling the integration of various therapies while using economical fixtures and maintaining accessibility for installation and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free-standing plumbing fixtures are used with stand-alone bathtubs, then the bathtub can be positioned independently without wall support, but the plumbing hardware and accessories become visible and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves, pipes) from the bathtub assembly and relocates them into a separate concealed enclosure positioned behind or beside the bathtub. This allows the bathtub to maintain its free-standing position while the extracted plumbing components are hidden from view, resolving the aesthetic conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the plumbing fixtures and accessories within a concealed enclosure that is integrated into the overall bathtub assembly. The enclosure acts as a container that houses the plumbing components, allowing them to be nested within the structural framework rather than exposed externally, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving independent positioning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple non-standard accessories (water pumps, air turbines, LED lighting) are added to hydro-massaging bathtubs, then therapy functionality is enhanced, but the equipment becomes difficult to conceal due to the stand-alone nature of the bathtub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional concealed enclosure that serves multiple purposes: housing plumbing fixtures, accommodating various therapy accessories (water pumps, air turbines, LED lighting), and providing aesthetic concealment. This universal enclosure design allows different therapy equipment to be integrated without compromising concealability, as the enclosure is designed to accommodate diverse components while maintaining a clean external appearance.
3Shape
If plated brass plumbing accessories are used to achieve aesthetic appearance, then the visual appeal is improved, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard-finish plumbing fixtures (non-plated or minimally finished) that are concealed within the enclosure, replacing expensive plated brass accessories. The enclosure itself becomes the aesthetic element rather than the plumbing fixtures, allowing the use of more economical fixture materials while maintaining visual appeal through the enclosure design. This substitution of expensive plated fixtures with standard fixtures hidden behind an aesthetic enclosure resolves the cost-aesthetic contradiction.
4Shape
If plumbing fixtures are concealed within an enclosure, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but access for installation and repair becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enclosure into accessible sections with removable panels or access points that allow plumbers to reach the concealed fixtures for installation and repair. The enclosure is divided into functional zones with strategic access openings that do not compromise the overall aesthetic appearance when closed, enabling maintenance access while preserving visual appeal during normal use.
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 module provides an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment for stand-alone bathtubs by concealing plumbing and accessories, allowing for the addition of non-standard features like sound, light, and aroma therapies, while ensuring ease of access and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A water channelling element projects from the upper region of the module and is in communication with a faucet outlet conduit secured downstream of a valve controlled by the faucet control to direct a flow of water into the bathtub from a top side of the bathtub
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture concealing module for a stand-alone bathtub is comprised of an enclosure extending upwardly from a support floor and surrounding plumbing conduits extending through the support floor for the supply of domestic cold and hot water. The enclosure has an access opening for access to an interior thereof. A removable closure member is removably secured to the access opening. At least one faucet control is secured in an upper region of the module and accessible to a bather person positioned in the bathtub. A water channelling element projects from the upper region of the module and is in communication with a faucet outlet conduit secured downstream of a valve controlled by the faucet control to direct a flow of water into the bathtub from a top side of the bathtub.