Compression Seal Member for Caulkless Shower Enclosure Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prefabricated shower panel systems often experience water leakage due to ineffective sealing at joints, which is dependent on the installer's skill and quality of sealing material, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A water management device featuring a compliant member that couples to the shower enclosure's side panels and base, forming a seal by extending rearward to block or redirect water, eliminating the need for caulk or other liquid sealants and enhancing the reliability of the sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caulk or liquid sealant is applied to seal joints, then water leakage prevention is achieved, but sealing effectiveness becomes dependent on installer skill and material quality
Solution Approach 1:
The compression seal member is designed to automatically form a water-tight seal when the panel is installed on the base. The resilient nature of the seal member allows it to self-compress and conform to the mating surfaces without requiring manual application of caulk or sealant, eliminating installer skill dependency while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical sealing system (caulk or liquid sealant that requires manual application and curing) with a mechanical sealing system using a compression seal member. The mechanical compression of the resilient seal member creates the seal through physical force rather than chemical bonding, improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If caulk is applied to form a seal, then water leakage is prevented, but the seal's longevity and repeatability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression seal member consistently forms the same seal every time through its resilient properties and geometric design. When the panel is installed, the seal member automatically compresses to the same degree against the base, ensuring repeatable sealing performance without variation based on installer technique or material application quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the physical parameters of the compression seal member (resilience, compression ratio, geometry) to ensure consistent sealing. The seal member's material properties and dimensional parameters are controlled during manufacturing to provide uniform sealing performance across all installations, eliminating the variability inherent in manual caulk application.
3Reliability
If a compliant member extends rearward to block water, then water leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression seal member is integrated directly with the panel structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing components or assembly steps. The seal member becomes part of the panel itself, combining the structural and sealing functions into a single element, which reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective water leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression seal member serves multiple functions: it provides the water-tight seal, accommodates manufacturing tolerances between panel and base, and simplifies installation by eliminating the need for separate sealing materials. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall sealing system.
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 solution effectively prevents water leakage by creating a consistent seal between the panels and base, improving the longevity and repeatability of the sealing process, independent of installer skill or material quality.
Implementation Method 1
The compliant member has a length and a width, the length being greater than the width. The compliant member is coupled to a first of the one or more wall panels proximate the entrance. The compliant member forms a seal with the first flange
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for a bathing enclosure includes a compliant member, a first member, and a second member. The compliant member includes opposing first and second sides defining a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures extend from the first side to the second side. The first member includes an inner surface configured to engage the first side of the compliant member. The second member includes an inner surface configured to engage the second side of the compliant member. A plurality of female members project from the inner surface of the first member through the plurality of apertures and a plurality of male members project from the inner surface of the second member through the plurality of apertures. The male members are configured to be received in the plurality of female members.