Bathtub Overlay With Hinged Door for Accessible Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bathtubs with high sidewalls pose a barrier for individuals with mobility issues, making it difficult for them to access the bathtub safely, leading to the avoidance of bathing altogether.
Innovation Solution
A bathtub overlay system that includes a U-shaped structure with a hinged door, which can be retrofitted onto existing bathtubs, providing a lower access point and a watertight seal to facilitate safe entry and exit while allowing the bathtub to function as usual.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional bathtubs with high sidewalls are used, then the bathtub can hold a large volume of water, but it becomes difficult for individuals with mobility issues to access the bathtub safely
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub system is divided into two main segments: the original bathtub retaining its high sidewalls for water capacity, and an added overlay structure with a door that provides separate access functionality. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay with a door acts as an intermediary element between the user and the bathtub interior. It provides a gradual transition from the bathroom floor to the bathtub, mediating the height difference and enabling safe access for individuals with mobility issues while preserving the original bathtub structure.
2Ease of operation
If a bathtub overlay with a door is added, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay incorporates a hinged door that can dynamically open and close, transforming from a static barrier into a functional access mechanism. This dynamic element provides controlled access while maintaining the watertight seal when closed, adding functionality without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay structure is designed to nest over the existing bathtub, with the door mechanism integrated within the overlay framework. This nesting approach allows the access system to be contained within the existing bathtub footprint, minimizing additional space requirements and structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the overlay covers the top wall of the sidewall, then a watertight seal is achieved, but the opening for access must be precisely aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay design incorporates self-aligning features where the opening in the overlay automatically corresponds with the opening in the bathtub sidewall during installation. The structure is designed to guide proper alignment through its geometric configuration, reducing the need for high-precision manual alignment while maintaining the watertight seal.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including providing a first opening in a sidewall of a bathtub, the sidewall including a top wall, an inner wall, and a outer wall, where the first opening extends along a length of the sidewall and has a depth extending generally downward from the top wall of the sidewall. The method further includes providing an overlay, the overlay including a body configured to receive at least a portion of the bathtub, wherein the body defines a channel and a second opening and positioning the overlay such that the overlay substantially covers the top wall of the sidewall and the sidewall is positioned within the channel defined by the body of the overlay, where the first opening is aligned with the second opening. The overlay can include at least one assistance feature. The assistance feature may include, for example, a seat, a grab bar, or a handrail.