Bathtub installation aide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of installing a bathtub is inefficient and costly due to the need for creating voids in concrete slabs for plumbing drains, which requires manual excavation and filling, leading to potential damage from leaks and increased labor and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A tub box apparatus that reserves space for pipes in concrete, is easily removable, and features a leak detection system, eliminating the need for voids and allowing for efficient installation and leak management, made from recycled plastic to be environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cardboard box filled with dirt is used to create a void around the drain riser, then a space can be created for plumbing access, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring manual excavation and filling
Solution Approach 1:
The tub box is pre-assembled with the drain riser, pipes, and access openings before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site excavation and manual assembly, allowing workers to simply place the pre-configured box into position and pour concrete around it, dramatically reducing installation time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The tub box serves as an intermediary structure that provides temporary access to the drain riser during installation. It includes pre-formed openings and access points that allow plumbers to connect pipes without excavating concrete, and can be easily removed after installation is complete, eliminating the need for manual digging and filling operations
2Reliability
If manual excavation and filling operations are performed, then the drain void can be created and sealed, but the process becomes complex and costly with multiple steps including digging, pipe cutting, and cement filling
Solution Approach 1:
The tub box is divided into functional segments including the main box structure, drain riser assembly, access openings, and removable components. This segmentation allows each part to be pre-prepared and tested separately, then assembled as a complete unit, reducing on-site complexity while maintaining installation reliability through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The tub box is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components (drain riser, pipes, access openings) integrated into a single unit that requires minimal on-site assembly. The structure provides its own access pathways and connection points, eliminating the need for complex manual excavation and pipe installation procedures
3Ease of operation
If voids are left in concrete slabs for plumbing access, then drain connections can be made, but potential damage from leaks can occur to ceilings and floors
Solution Approach 1:
The tub box acts as an intermediary containment structure that channels any leaks directly to the drain system through integrated pathways and openings. This prevents water from accumulating in ceiling spaces or floor cavities, directing all potential leak damage to the intended drain location where it can be properly managed
Solution Approach 2:
The tub box extracts and isolates the plumbing access function from the concrete structure itself. By providing a separate, removable box structure with built-in access openings and leak channels, it eliminates the need to create permanent voids in the concrete, thereby preventing potential leak damage while maintaining ease of drain connection
Data Source
AI summary
A bathtub installation aide apparatus. The apparatus exhibits a box-shape, which is configured to act as a placeholder at a drain point. The apparatus is equipped with a drain trough, and facilitates in the creation of empty space around a tub drain during ultimate installation of a bathtub. The apparatus removes the need to use cardboard and/or dirt/sand in the molding and construction of the bathtub and foundation. A leak detector unit is present to alert when the presence of a leak is detected after a set period of time has elapsed. A sensor is configured to relay the presence of water to the leak detector unit. A bottom of the apparatus is equipped with tiers or steps to funnel water towards the drain, even in the event of a leak.