bathtub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathtubs with hydromassage and lighting systems are limited by the size of the recess, which restricts water and light flow, and are expensive due to complex assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
The bathtub design features an upper inner wall, lower inner wall, and intermediate frame arrangement that allows for wider water and light distribution angles, hidden nozzles and lights, and a one-piece construction, with adjustable inclinations for improved ergonomics and lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nozzles and lights are arranged in a recess under an upper ledge, then they are hidden from sight, but the flow of water and beam of light are limited by the size of the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves nozzles and lights from a horizontal recess arrangement to a vertical arrangement along the inclined upper inner wall. This dimensional change allows water and light to flow downward along the wall surface, increasing the effective flow area and coverage while keeping the components hidden from front view.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper inner wall is divided into multiple sections with nozzles and lights distributed along its length rather than concentrated in a single recess. This segmentation allows each component to emit water or light in a controlled direction along the wall, increasing overall coverage area.
2Device complexity
If the lower inner wall is substantially aligned with the upper inner wall, then the structure is simpler, but the intermediate frame requires a horizontal portion that complicates manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The upper inner wall is designed with a variable inclination angle that changes along its length, transitioning from a steeper angle near the waterline to a shallower angle near the bottom. This dynamic geometric design allows the wall to integrate smoothly with the intermediate frame and lower inner wall, enabling one-piece manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate frame is merged with the upper inner wall and lower inner wall into a single integrated structure. The frame's support function is combined with the wall's containment function, eliminating the need for separate horizontal portions and enabling one-piece construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper inner wall is inclined at constant angles, then manufacturing is easier, but lighting coverage and ergonomics are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the upper inner wall have different inclination angles optimized for their specific functions. The upper section has a steeper angle for better water drainage and ergonomics, while the lower section has a shallower angle to direct light beams horizontally across the bathtub, ensuring optimal lighting coverage in each zone.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Bathtub (1 ) comprising at least one upper inner wall (2) with at least one lower edge, at least one lower inner wall (3) with at least one upper edge, and at least one bottom wall (4), wherein the lower inner wall (3) is arranged between the upper inner wall (2) and the bottom wall (4) and the upper inner wall (2) is joined to the lower inner wall (3) by at least one intermediate frame (9) with at least one inner edge and at least one outer edge, so that the inner edge of the intermediate frame (9) is joined to the lower edge of the upper inner wall (2) and the outer edge of the intermediate frame (9) is joined to the upper edge of the inner wall lower (3).