Bathtub systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bathtubs pose a barrier for individuals who cannot step over the usual sidewall due to age or infirmity, requiring costly solutions like removing the bathtub or installing a shower system, which can be impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
A bathtub closure system featuring a step with a U-shaped cavity and a support portion, allowing for easy ingress and egress while maintaining a watertight seal, which can be retrofitted to existing bathtubs, incorporating modular components such as plugs, doors, and seals for versatile access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bathtub sidewall is used, then water retention is maintained, but accessibility for individuals with mobility issues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub sidewall is segmented into a removable insert portion and a fixed surrounding portion. The insert can be removed to create an accessible entryway, while the fixed portion maintains the water-containing structure. This segmentation allows the system to switch between accessibility mode (insert removed) and water retention mode (insert in place).
Solution Approach 2:
The sidewall configuration is made dynamic through the removable insert, allowing the bathtub to adapt between two states: a closed state with full sidewall height for water retention, and an open state with the insert removed for accessibility. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between fixed water retention and variable accessibility needs.
2Ease of operation
If the bathtub is removed and replaced with a shower system, then accessibility is improved, but cost and complexity of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub system maintains multi-functionality by allowing the same bathtub to serve both as a traditional water-filled tub (with insert in place) and as an accessible shower entry (with insert removed). The shower system discharging into the tub can be used in both configurations, eliminating the need for separate shower installation while providing accessibility benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replacing the entire bathtub system, the invention copies only the necessary functional element (the removable insert) that provides accessibility. This selective copying approach achieves the accessibility benefit without the cost and complexity of full bathtub replacement or shower system installation.
3Ease of operation
If the bathtub is removed and replaced with a shower system, then accessibility is improved, but renovation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic element (the high sidewall barrier) is extracted as a separate removable insert, allowing it to be taken out when accessibility is needed without affecting the rest of the bathtub structure. This extraction approach provides accessibility without requiring costly removal and replacement of the entire bathtub or shower system.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable insert is designed as a relatively simple, inexpensive component compared to full bathtub or shower system replacement. It can be easily manufactured and installed, providing a cost-effective solution for accessibility improvement without the high renovation costs associated with complete system replacement.
4Reliability
If a closure system is added to the step, then water retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is merged with the step structure, combining the sealing function with the existing accessibility feature. The closure integrates with the removable insert design, allowing the same component that provides accessibility when removed to provide water retention when closed, rather than adding a separate independent closure mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The step with closure serves multiple functions: it provides an accessibility aid when open, and it provides water retention when closed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate accessibility features and closure systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving both goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A bathtub closure system may include a step configured to be retrofit onto a bathtub and a plug. The step may include a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity configured to facilitate ingress and egress into the bathtub, and a first attachment recess extending downward from the first top surface less than an entire height of the first side panel or extending downward from the second top surface less than an entire height of the second side panel. The plug includes a body and a first attachment member affixed to the body and corresponding to the first attachment recess defined by the step. The plug cooperates with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the first attachment member is mated with the first attachment recess and the body of the plug is positioned at least partially within the cavity.