Bathtub Door Overlay with U-Shaped 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 for safe ingress and egress while maintaining the bathtub's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional bathtubs with high sidewalls are used, then water volume capacity is improved, but accessibility for individuals with mobility issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub system is divided into two functional segments: the original high-sided bathtub for water containment and an overlay structure with a door for accessibility. The overlay includes a door portion that can be opened to allow easy entry and closed to contain water, effectively segmenting the access function from the water containment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay structure is positioned over and嵌套 within the existing bathtub, creating a nested configuration where the overlay with its door mechanism sits atop the original tub. This allows the accessibility features to be integrated without removing the original bathtub structure.
2Ease of operation
If a door is added to provide accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a door for accessibility, contains water when closed, and can be removed or adjusted. The door assembly includes universal components like hinges, seals, and latches that can be applied to various bathtub configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay acts as an intermediary structure between the user and the original bathtub. It mediates the access problem by providing a door that can be easily opened and closed, while the seal between the door and overlay body manages the water containment function.
3Ease of operation
If the overlay covers the top wall, then accessibility is improved by lowering the entry point, but water containment capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof seal or gasket is used between the door and the overlay body to ensure water containment. The seal can flex to accommodate slight variations in alignment while maintaining the watertight barrier necessary for effective water containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay structure is designed with pre-positioned seals and drainage pathways that anticipate potential water leakage issues. The seal is installed beforehand to prevent water from escaping, and the design includes provisions for water that may penetrate the seal to drain away from the overlay structure.
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.