Bathtub Overlay With Sealed Door for Low-Threshold Access
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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 with a U-shaped structure and a watertight, sealable door is retrofitted into the sidewall, creating a lower access point and allowing for safe entry and exit while maintaining the bathtub's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If high sidewalls are used in traditional bathtubs, 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 segments: the original high-walled bathtub and an overlay structure. The overlay segments the vertical wall into a lower access portion and maintains the upper water-holding capacity, allowing both functions to coexist independently
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay structure is nested over the existing bathtub, with the overlay's inner wall positioned inside the bathtub's sidewall cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the overlay to provide a lower access threshold while the bathtub maintains its full water-holding volume behind the overlay
2Ease of operation
If a bathtub overlay with a door is installed to improve accessibility, then safe entry and exit is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the overlay structure: the inner wall provides the lowered threshold, the door assembly provides access control, and the sealant system provides waterproofing. These combined elements achieve safe accessibility without requiring separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay acts as an intermediary structure between the user and the bathtub. It mediates the contradiction by providing a lower access point while maintaining the bathtub's original water-holding function, and the door serves as an intermediary mechanism for controlled access
3Ease of operation
If an opening is created in the bathtub sidewall to improve access, then mobility-impaired individuals can enter easily, but the bathtub's water-holding capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay's door and seal system acts as a flexible barrier that can be opened for access and closed to maintain water containment. The sealant creates a flexible waterproof barrier around the opening, allowing access without permanently compromising the water-holding volume
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including cutting an opening in a sidewall of a bathtub and providing an overlay to cover the bathtub. The overlay can include an assistance feature such a tread, door, or capsule.