Self-Supporting Bathtub Spout Extension with Spray Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices fail to address the anxiety children experience when transitioning from bathtub bathing to showering, as they do not provide a means to adapt the showering experience to alleviate sensory issues or facilitate this transition.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting system for extending a bathtub spout that includes a wall plate with a bracket portion and a water diverting head, which attaches to the spout without contacting it, diverting water to create various spray patterns and locations within the bathtub, using tubular members with outlets and optionally incorporating a small ball for enhanced water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional bathtub spout is used, then water delivery is simple and direct, but it creates anxiety in children transitioning to showering and generates high noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water delivery function into multiple segments: a wall plate for mounting, a bracket portion for positioning, a water diverting head for distribution, and optional tubular members for extended reach. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively creating a shower-like experience that reduces child anxiety without requiring a complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components between the traditional spout and the water delivery point. The wall plate and bracket portion act as intermediaries that position and support the water diverting head, creating a transition zone that transforms the direct spout-to-bathwater flow into a more controlled, shower-like distribution pattern that children find less anxiety-inducing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld showering wand replaces the spout, then showering experience is provided, but installation complexity increases and requires plumbing modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The water diverting head is designed with universal mounting capability that works with existing bathtub spout configurations. The bracket portion attaches to the wall plate which can accommodate standard spout positions, making the system adaptable to different installations without requiring specialized plumbing modifications or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-supporting, where the bracket portion and wall plate structure provides its own mounting and positioning functionality. The water diverting head attaches directly to the bracket without requiring additional support structures or complex installation procedures, allowing for straightforward installation while maintaining the showering experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If water is diverted to multiple locations, then spray pattern variety increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water diverting head incorporates multiple outlets positioned at different locations and orientations, with each outlet providing a specific spray pattern suited to its position. This local differentiation of spray characteristics allows for variety in water distribution without requiring complex mechanisms, as each outlet is a simple component designed for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single outlet and attempting to create variety through complex mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by providing multiple simple outlets simultaneously. This inversion simplifies manufacturing while achieving spray pattern variety, as each outlet can be manufactured independently using standard processes rather than requiring complex assembly of a single multi-functional component.
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
The system effectively adapts the bathtub spout to provide multiple spray patterns and locations for water delivery, reducing anxiety in children transitioning to showering by mimicking a shower experience and reducing noise levels associated with traditional spouts.
Implementation Method 1
a water diverting portion configured to fit over and attach to the bracket portion of the wall plate, the water diverting portion configured to receive water flowing out of the bathtub spout and to divert the water to an outlet
Implementation Method 2
at least one tubular member fluidly connected to the outlet of the water diverting portion, the at least one tubular member terminating in an outlet having a plurality of holes to create a spray pattern from the water flowing out of the bathtub spout
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing water from a bathtub spout protruding from a wall into a bathtub residing below the spout is disclosed. The system includes a wall plate mounted to the wall and surrounding but not contacting the spout, the wall plate having a bracket portion extending away from the wall, the bracket portion enclosing but not contacting the spout. The system further includes a water diverting portion configured to fit over and attach to the bracket portion of the wall plate, the water diverting portion configured to receive water flowing out of the spout and to divert the water to an outlet. The system further includes at least one tubular member fluidly connected to the outlet of the water diverting portion, the at least one tubular member terminating in an outlet having a plurality of holes to create a spray pattern from the water flowing out of the spout.