Bathtub Wall-Extending Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older homes and rental units often have bathtubs that are too small or shallow, making it impractical and costly to convert them into deep soaking tubs, as the plumbing and structural requirements may not be compatible with modern designs, and renovations can be disruptive and financially prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A removable bathtub wall-extending device made of waterproof materials that attaches to the existing bathtub wall, raising its height to convert any bathtub into a deep soaking tub, featuring a fastener system for secure attachment and optional collapsible design for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a bathtub wall-extending device is installed to increase bathtub depth, then the bathtub can be converted into a deep soaking tub, but the device requires secure waterproof attachment to the bathtub wall
Solution Approach 1:
The installation surface of the bathtub wall is pre-processed with roughening treatment before the wall-extending device is attached. This preliminary action creates a textured surface that enhances mechanical interlocking and adhesion strength, ensuring reliable waterproof attachment while enabling the bathtub depth extension
Solution Approach 2:
The wall-extending device employs composite material construction combining acrylic for the main body with specialized adhesive materials and waterproof sealing compounds. This composite approach provides both structural integrity for depth extension and reliable waterproof bonding to the bathtub wall
2Ease of operation
If the bathtub wall height is increased to create a deep soaking tub, then relaxation experience is improved, but the installation becomes permanently fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-extending device utilizes dynamic bonding characteristics where the adhesive transitions from initial strong bonding during installation to allowing controlled removal later. The device can be firmly attached for use to provide enhanced relaxation experience, then removed when needed, offering both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The bathtub modification is divided into separate components: the original bathtub and the removable wall-extending device. This segmentation allows the depth extension to be applied and removed independently, providing improved relaxation experience without permanent modification to the original bathtub structure
3Reliability
If a deep soaking tub is installed in an older home, then therapeutic benefits are achieved, but plumbing and structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-extending device extracts only the essential function of increasing bathtub depth without requiring extraction or modification of plumbing systems. By attaching to the existing bathtub exterior, it achieves the therapeutic deep soaking benefit while leaving the original plumbing and structure intact and unchanged
4Ease of operation
If bathroom renovation is undertaken to install a larger bathtub, then deep soaking capability is achieved, but the process is disruptive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-extending device functions as a temporary, removable solution that provides deep soaking capability without permanent installation. This disposable-like approach allows users to enjoy therapeutic benefits temporarily without investing in expensive, time-consuming permanent renovations, and the device can be removed and replaced as needed
Data Source
AI summary
A bathtub wall-extending device is provided. The device is comprised of a body comprised of at least one fastener which allows the body to removably attach to a bathtub wall in a waterproof manner. As a result, the body raises the height of the bathtub wall to allow the bathtub to become a deep-soaking tub. The body may also be comprised of at least one gasket for additional waterproofing as well as a veneer or other simulated finish to match the existing bathtub wall exterior.