Bathtub Liner Installation Using Poured Liquid Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of installing bathtub liners using butyl tape or expanding foam adhesive require estimations, leading to gaps, air pockets, and unpredictable stress, which can result in delamination or humps, and lack reinforcement around the edges.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing liquid adhesive poured between the bathtub and liner, filling all available space, creating a solid feel, and providing edge reinforcement for a waterproof installation, eliminating the need for pre-estimation of adhesive quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If butyl tape or expanding foam adhesive is used to install the bathtub liner, then the installer can apply adhesive before installing the liner, but this requires estimation of adhesive quantity which leads to gaps and air pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by installing the liner first and then applying liquid adhesive around the edges and pouring it into the bathtub. This reversal eliminates the need for pre-estimation of adhesive quantities and ensures complete coverage without gaps or air pockets, as the adhesive is applied after the liner is already in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid adhesive system is designed to be self-leveling and self-distributing. When poured into the bathtub, the adhesive automatically flows to fill all gaps and spaces between the liner and bathtub surface, eliminating the need for manual spreading or estimation, and ensuring uniform coverage throughout.
2Strength
If expanding foam adhesive is used, then adhesive can be applied to the bottom of the tub, but this creates unpredictable stress around the bottom of the liner that can cause delamination or humps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the adhesive system by using liquid adhesive instead of expanding foam. The liquid adhesive maintains consistent viscosity and curing characteristics, providing predictable stress distribution and uniform bonding strength around the entire perimeter and bottom of the liner, eliminating the unpredictable expansion stresses that cause delamination or humps.
3Ease of manufacture
If butyl tape is applied in layers to the bottom of the liner, then adhesive can be applied before installation, but this leaves gaps and spaces between rows and provides no support around the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by installing the liner first and then applying liquid adhesive around the edges and pouring it into the bathtub. This reversal eliminates the need for pre-estimation of adhesive quantities and ensures complete coverage without gaps or air pockets, as the adhesive is applied after the liner is already in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses liquid adhesive that flows like a fluid to fill all spaces and gaps between the liner and bathtub surface. The liquid adhesive is poured into the bathtub where it automatically distributes itself hydraulically to ensure complete coverage of the bottom and edge areas, providing uniform support throughout.
4Productivity
If the installer estimates adhesive quantity, then the installation process can begin, but this estimation may create gaps in the adhesive coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid adhesive system is designed to be self-leveling and self-distributing. When poured into the bathtub, the adhesive automatically flows to fill all gaps and spaces between the liner and bathtub surface, eliminating the need for manual spreading or estimation, and ensuring uniform coverage throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by installing the liner first and then applying liquid adhesive around the edges and pouring it into the bathtub. This reversal eliminates the need for pre-estimation of adhesive quantities and ensures complete coverage without gaps or air pockets, as the adhesive is applied after the liner is already in position.
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
Ensures a solid, waterproof installation with no gaps or air pockets, reducing the risk of delamination and humps, while providing consistent edge support.
Implementation Method 1
liquid adhesive poured between the bathtub and liner, filling all available space
Implementation Method 2
method of installing a bathtub liner using a liquid adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved method of installing a bathtub liner in a bathtub, with a liquid adhesive. The method steps include removing the bathtub drain and overflow protection device, templating and cutting the bathtub liner to properly fit into the bathtub, cleaning the bathtub, forming a foam rail gasket, setting the bathtub liner into place and forming the bathtub liner drain, removing the set bathtub liner and cleaning the bathtub liner, applying tub and wall adhesive and sealant between the bathtub and the bathtub liner, resetting the liner into place and installing the bathtub drain and stopper, installing any accessories, pouring the liquid adhesive between the liner and the bathtub, flushing away any unnecessary liquid adhesive and catalyzing the liquid adhesive.