Bathtub Splash Guard and Apron Flush Wall Design for Cleaning Ease

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Bathtubs with splash guards and side panels often create visually and functionally unsatisfactory situations due to divided edges and steps, making cleaning difficult and prone to dirt accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A holding profile is attached to the bathtub, securing a splash guard and apron to form a flush outer wall that extends above and below the bathtub edge, simplifying cleaning and providing a visually appealing, easy-to-clean surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a splash guard is mounted on top of the bathtub edge, then the bathtub provides splash protection, but the edge is divided into inner and outer sections creating steps that accumulate dirt and are difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplash protectionVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the splash guard and apron into a single integrated flush outer wall structure that extends continuously from below the bathtub edge to above it, eliminating the divided edge sections and steps that previously accumulated dirt. This unified structure maintains splash protection while providing a seamless surface that is easy to clean.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a splash guard is mounted on top of the bathtub edge, then the bathtub provides splash protection, but the divided edge creates visual unattractiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplash protectionVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the splash guard and apron into a single continuous flush outer wall that extends vertically along the bathtub edge, creating a sleek, uninterrupted visual appearance without the problematic steps and divisions of traditional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If retaining profiles with joints are used to attach shower walls and aprons, then the structure is secure, but numerous edges and projections create dirt accumulation points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural securityVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the retaining profile into a seamless attachment system where the splash guard and apron form a continuous flush outer wall without protruding joints or edges, eliminating dirt accumulation points while maintaining secure attachment to the bathtub.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4434420B1Bath tub with splash guard wall
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ARTWEGER A
  • EP4434420B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4434420B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4434420B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The application relates to a bathtub with a splash guard (2), wherein at least one side surface of the bathtub (1) is at least partially covered by an apron (3) and the apron (3) extends in height up to a region of a bathtub rim (4) of the bathtub (1). A retaining profile (10) is arranged on the bathtub (1) which holds the splash guard (2). The splash guard (2) and the apron (3) form a flush outer wall (7), wherein the outer wall (7) abuts the bathtub rim (4) laterally and at least partially covers the bathtub rim (4), extending a certain height above the bathtub rim (4) and a certain height below the bathtub rim (4).