Bathtub Fitting with Adjustable Height Barrier for Soaker Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bathtubs are often too shallow, requiring bathers to sit or kneel, with exposed body parts, and lack the depth for full immersion, necessitating a solution to convert them into a soaker tub with adjustable water levels for enhanced relaxation.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular fitting system that securely adheres to the bathtub's top edge, featuring a pliable middle portion that can be extended or retracted to various heights, allowing water to be stored above the tub's edge without leakage, and includes a handle for user adjustment and locks for securing the desired height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional bathtub is used, then it provides basic bathing function, but the water level is too shallow for full immersion
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into a rigid base portion that adheres to the tub and a flexible middle portion that can be independently adjusted to different heights, allowing the water level to be segmented into multiple predetermined levels for customized immersion depth
Solution Approach 2:
The middle portion of the fitting is made flexible and movable, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted to different heights during use. The handles enable users to move the middle portion between predetermined heights, transforming the static tub into a dynamic system with adjustable water retention levels
2Volume of moving object
If water level is increased above tub edge, then full immersion is achieved, but water leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The middle portion of the fitting is constructed from flexible material that can be molded into various shapes and positioned at different heights. This flexible barrier effectively contains water above the tub edge without rigid structures, preventing leakage while allowing adjustable water levels
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting acts as an intermediary barrier between the water and the external environment. By positioning the flexible middle portion at different heights, it mediates the water containment function, allowing water to be held at levels above the tub edge while preventing leakage through the flexible seal
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed water level structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into a rigid base portion that adheres to the tub and a flexible middle portion that can be independently adjusted to different heights, allowing the water level to be segmented into multiple predetermined levels for customized immersion depth
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in the height parameter of the water retention barrier by moving the middle portion to different positions. This enables the same fitting structure to adapt to different user height requirements and immersion preferences without requiring multiple different fittings
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
Enables the conversion of standard bathtubs into soaker tubs, providing customizable water levels for full immersion without displacing water, enhancing user comfort and relaxation.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive strip securely holds the front piece to the front top wall of the tub via the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a rectangular fitting dimensionally conformed to a perimeter of a bathtub wall. The rectangular fitting includes a first portion and a middle portion. The first portion comprises a water-impermeable material coated with an adhesive material along the length of a bottom surface. The first portion includes a top surface conjoined with the middle portion. The adhesive-coated bottom surface of the first portion securely adheres to a top surface of the bathtub wall in order to be dimensionally conformed to the perimeter of the bathtub wall. The middle portion is configured to extend upward and downward to pre-determined heights by a user while the first portion securely adheres to the bathtub wall. The apparatus is configured to store water above the top edge of the bathtub wall, thereby converting the bathtub into the soaker.