Bathtub Door Assembly with U-Shaped Step Saddle for Accessible Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bathtubs with high sidewalls pose a barrier for individuals with mobility issues, making it difficult for them to access the bathtub safely, leading to the avoidance of bathing altogether.
Innovation Solution
A bathtub overlay with a U-shaped structure and a watertight, sealable door is retrofitted into the existing bathtub, creating a lower access point and allowing easy ingress and egress while maintaining the bathtub's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional high sidewalls are used in bathtubs, then water volume capacity is improved, but accessibility for individuals with mobility issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub sidewall is segmented into multiple levels: the original high sidewall structure is retained for water capacity, while a lower access platform or door structure is added to provide easier entry. This segmentation allows different portions of the bathtub to serve different functions - the main body maintains high walls for volume, while the access portion provides lowered entry points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension solution by adding a door structure that can open vertically or horizontally at a lower height than the main sidewall. This creates a multi-level access system where the door provides a lower threshold while the main tub retains its original height, effectively solving the contradiction through dimensional differentiation.
2Ease of operation
If a door structure is added to provide access, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is nested within or integrated into the existing bathtub assembly. The door can be positioned within a recess or channel in the sidewall, allowing it to fold or slide into the tub structure when not in use. This nesting approach provides the accessibility benefit of a door while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure incorporates dynamic elements such as hinges, sliders, or folding mechanisms that allow the door to move between open and closed positions. This dynamic design enables the door to adapt to different usage scenarios - providing easy access when open and maintaining a compact profile when closed, thereby improving accessibility without permanently increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the sidewall is lowered to improve access, then accessibility is improved, but water volume capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall is segmented into a lower access portion and an upper retention portion. The lower portion is modified to include the door structure at a reduced height for easy access, while the upper portion maintains the original high sidewall configuration to preserve water volume capacity. This segmentation allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied in different spatial zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the height-volume contradiction by introducing a horizontal dimension for access. Instead of lowering the entire sidewall vertically, the door provides a horizontal access pathway at a lower level, allowing users to enter through the door while the vertical sidewall height above the door remains sufficient for water capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include a bathtub that can include a U-shaped step saddle associated with a door assembly. The door assembly can include a hinge coupled with the U-shaped step saddle such that the door assembly can be transitioned between an open position and a closed position. The door assembly can include a catch and a latch to secure the door in the closed position.