Bathtub with aromatherapy device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aromatherapy devices integrated with bathtubs are often cumbersome and non-intuitive, requiring improvements for easier implementation.

Innovation Solution

A bathtub design incorporating an overflow drain system with a receptacle for fragrance solution, an emission device, and a removable cover to distribute fragrances through the overflow opening, utilizing electrical connections and various emission mechanisms like vibration generators or heaters to disperse fragrances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If aromatherapy devices are integrated with bathtubs, then the bathtub experience is enhanced, but the device becomes cumbersome and non-intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearomatherapy functionalityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the aromatherapy device with the bathtub's overflow drain system, integrating multiple functions (drainage and fragrance distribution) into a single unified structure. The receptacle is positioned within the overflow cavity, and the emission device is coupled to both the receptacle and the overflow opening, creating a merged system that eliminates the need for separate aromatherapy equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The overflow drain system is designed to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a drainage mechanism and an aromatherapy distribution system. The removable cover with aperture allows the same structure to facilitate both water overflow and fragrance emission, making the bathtub system multi-functional and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a receptacle is placed in the overflow cavity for fragrance solution, then fragrance distribution is enabled, but the overflow opening needs to be covered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance distribution capabilityVSAvoidcover mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable cover serves dual purposes: it covers the overflow opening to prevent water loss when not in use, and includes an aperture that allows fragrance to escape when the aromatherapy function is active. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components for covering and fragrance emission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to be removable rather than fixed, allowing users to dynamically adjust its position based on whether aromatherapy is in use. The tether connection provides flexible attachment that allows the cover to be easily removed and reattached, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Provides an intuitive and efficient aromatherapy experience by integrating a fragrance distribution system within the bathtub's overflow drain, enhancing user experience and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

an emission device coupled to the receptacle and electrically connected... generating, via the emission device, fragrances from the fragrance solution in the receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

distributing the fragrances through the overflow opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

the emission device is a vibration generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250344908A1Bathtub with aromatherapy device
Publication Date: 2025.11.13 BAINS ULTRA
  • US20250344908A1 patent drawing
  • US20250344908A1 patent drawing
  • US20250344908A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bathtub includes a basin delimited by an upstanding peripheral wall and a bottom. A main drain is disposed in the bottom. An overflow drain has an overflow opening disposed in the upstanding peripheral wall and spaced apart from the bottom. An overflow cavity is adjacent the overflow opening. The overflow opening fluidly connects the overflow cavity to the basin. An overflow conduit fluidly connects the overflow opening to the main drain. A receptacle is at least partially disposed in the overflow cavity and configured to contain a fragrance solution. An emission device is coupled to the receptacle and electrically connected. A removable cover is configured to cover the overflow opening. The removable cover includes an aperture disposed above a rim of the receptacle.