Bathtub Door Linkage for Leak-Safe Drain Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tub designs with door mechanisms often face issues with water leakage when closing or opening, and they require complex drive units or monitoring systems to ensure proper positioning and sealing, which adds structural complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A tub design that incorporates a second drain device coupled with a locking mechanism, where the second drain can only be closed when the door is properly positioned, using a locking bolt and Bowden cable system to ensure water-tight sealing without the need for additional electrical drives or monitoring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex drive unit with electric servo drive or monitoring device is used to ensure proper door positioning and prevent water leakage, then water-tight sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly itself performs the function of controlling the second drain closure through its own positioning and engagement with the tub. The door's physical presence and engagement with the tub structure automatically actuates the drain closure mechanism without requiring external sensors, motors, or monitoring devices to detect door position and control the drain independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of door closure and drain closure are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The door assembly directly controls both the sealing of the tub opening and the closure of the second drain through a unified mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each function.
2Device complexity
If a simple mechanical locking mechanism is used without electrical drives or monitoring devices, then device complexity is reduced, but ensuring proper door positioning and preventing water leakage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The second drain is designed to remain open by default and can only be closed when the door is properly positioned and engaged. The mechanical linkage is configured so that complete door insertion automatically actuates the drain closure, ensuring the drain is closed at the correct moment without requiring active sensing or control.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the door assembly and the second drain closure mechanism. This linkage translates the door's positioning and engagement directly into the closure action of the drain, ensuring reliable water-tight sealing through pure mechanical means without electrical components.
3Reliability
If the second drain is always closed to prevent water leakage, then water-tight sealing is improved, but the ability to drain water from the tub is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second drain is designed with dynamic closure control rather than being permanently closed. The drain closure state changes dynamically based on door position: closed when the door is properly engaged, and open when the door is removed or opened, allowing flexible control of water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for water-tight sealing by keeping the second drain open and ready to close automatically when the door is inserted. The mechanical linkage is pre-configured to close the drain at the moment of door engagement, ensuring seamless transition between draining and sealing states without manual intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a tub, including a tub opening (4) arranged in the area of one side of the tub, which tub opening can be closed or opened by means of a door (6), and a first drain device with a first outlet (12) arranged in the tub base (10), which outlet can be closed or opened by means of a drain plug. The aim is to develop the tub with little design effort such that the tub opening can easily be closed or opened by means of the door, wherein any undesired escape of water from the interior can be avoided with high operational reliability. According to the invention, a second drain device with a second outlet (22) is provided in the tub base (10) and the second drain device includes a closing device (32), by means of which the second outlet (22) and/or the drain plug thereof is coupled to the door (6) in such a manner that the second outlet (22) can only be closed, or remain closed, if the tub opening (4) is closed by means of the door (6).