Bathtub Rim Cap Structure for Upper-Body Water Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bathtubs often require a full water level to provide warm water to the upper body, leading to increased water consumption, and lack customization options for functional and aesthetic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A capped rim bathtub system with a rim cap that allows for customizable configurations, including water recirculation, storage, and housing of electronics, while maintaining aesthetics, through a design featuring a first flange on the inner surface, a second flange on the outer surface, and a cover portion connecting them, with recesses and channels for water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional whirlpool system with jets in the lower half is used, then water recirculation is provided, but the upper half of the bather's body is not exposed to water flow when the bath is not fully filled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the water recirculation system from the lower half to the upper half of the bathing well, changing the spatial dimension of jet placement. This allows water flow to directly contact the upper body areas (shoulders, neck, head) when the bath is partially filled, eliminating the need to fill the entire well for effective recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim is divided into multiple segments with recesses that can accommodate various configurations of water recirculation components. This segmentation allows for customizable jet placements and enables different recirculation modes (e.g., targeted upper body massage vs. full well circulation) depending on water level and user preference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bath rim is customized for specific functional purposes, then functionality is enhanced, but aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The functional components (jets, channels, storage compartments, electronic housings) are nested within recesses in the rim structure. The rim cap then covers these recesses, concealing the functional elements while maintaining a clean, continuous aesthetic appearance from the outside. This nesting approach allows dual functionality without visual compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim cap serves as an intermediary element between the functional rim components and the external environment. It mediates by covering the recesses that contain functional elements, thereby preserving aesthetic appearance while allowing the underlying functional structure to operate effectively.
3Shape
If a rim cap is added to cover the customized bath rim, then aesthetics are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rim cap is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: it covers recesses to maintain aesthetics, provides structural support for the rim customization, and can itself be customized in various shapes and materials to match different bathtub styles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate aesthetic covering components.
Data Source
AI summary
A capped bathtub system including a bathing well having a rim extending along a perimeter of an upper part of the bathing well and a rim cap configured to cover the rim. The rim cap includes a first flange that extends partially along an inner surface of the bathing well, a second flange that extends partially along an outer surface of the bathing well, and a cover portion that connects the first flange to the second flange. At least one recess is formed into a portion of the rim that is covered by the rim cap.