Bathtub system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bathtub systems do not effectively allow bathers to enjoy vibrations transmitted through bathwater in various manners in accordance with the music tone of the input signal, limiting the variety of physical sensations experienced.

Innovation Solution

A bathtub system with a vibration generation unit and a control unit that adjusts the frequency components of the input signal based on different signal conversion types for meditation and dynamic modes, allowing for varied underwater vibrations tailored to the music tone, enhancing the physical sensation experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single signal conversion type is used for vibration generation, then the system structure is simple, but the variety of physical sensations experienced by bathers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of physical sensationsVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically switches between multiple signal conversion types (first and second conversion types) based on the input signal characteristics. This allows the vibration generation unit to adapt its output to provide different physical sensations (relaxing vs. impactful vibrations) without requiring multiple fixed vibration generation devices, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the operation signal (frequency components, amplitude characteristics) based on the selected signal conversion type. By adjusting these signal parameters according to the music tone and selected mode, the system provides varied physical sensations using a single vibration generation unit, avoiding the need for multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the input signal is processed through multiple signal conversion types, then various vibration experiences are provided, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration experience varietyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically selects the appropriate signal conversion type based on the music tone classification and user-selected mode, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the signal processing parameters to match the input signal characteristics, making the complex control transparent to the user while providing diverse vibration experiences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback about the input signal characteristics (music tone classification) and automatically adjusts the signal conversion type accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to provide appropriate vibration experiences without requiring users to manually configure complex control parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If vibration generation is added to the bathtub system, then the physical sensation experience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical sensation experienceVSAvoidsystem components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration generation unit is designed to perform multiple functions by responding to different signal conversion types. A single vibration generation unit can provide both relaxing vibrations and impactful vibrations by processing signals differently, eliminating the need for separate vibration generation devices for different experience types and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables bathers to experience underwater vibrations that match the music tone, providing relaxing or dynamic impacts, thereby enriching the bathing experience.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration generation unit that is installed on or in the bathtub and is configured to generate vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4702961A1Bathtub system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TOTO LTD
  • EP4702961A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4702961A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4702961A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention provides a bathtub system (1) including a bathtub (2) configured to store hot or cold water therein; a vibration generation unit (10) configured to generate vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub (2); and a control unit (30) configured to output an operation signal to the vibration generation unit (10). The control unit (30) has a plurality of control modes and is configured such that one of the plurality of control modes is selected in accordance with an input signal. In a case where a first control mode is selected, the control unit (30) generates the operation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a first signal conversion type. In a case where a second control mode different from the first control mode is selected, the control unit (30) generates the operation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a second signal conversion type different from the first signal conversion type.