Cut-to-Fit Shower Tray Structure for Low-Threshold Bathtub Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Replacing an existing bathtub with a shower is complex due to issues with wall finish, floor adaptation, water drainage constraints, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility, requiring multiple trades and extended renovation time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a one-piece shower tray structure with height-adjustable support and a pump for efficient water evacuation, allowing the tray to be cut to fit specific dimensions and installed with minimal threshold height, eliminating the need for multiple trades and reducing renovation time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional shower replacement methods are used, then water drainage is achieved through siphon, but the threshold height becomes too high for people with reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pump as an intermediary device between the shower tray and the drainage system. This pump mediates the water transfer, allowing the shower tray to be positioned at a lower height while still achieving effective drainage by actively pumping water to the appropriate level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical siphon system with an active pump-based system. This substitution allows for greater flexibility in positioning the shower tray at lower heights, as the pump can actively move water against gravity rather than relying on passive siphon action that requires specific height relationships.
2Ease of manufacture
If bathtub is removed to install shower, then shower installation is achieved, but exposed walls and floor require additional tiling or painting work
Solution Approach 1:
The shower tray is designed with extended side walls that serve multiple functions: they form the shower enclosure, cover the exposed bathroom walls, and provide a finished appearance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wall tiling or painting work in the shower area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the shower tray structure with the wall covering function. The extended side walls of the tray are integrated to cover the exposed walls, combining what would traditionally be separate components (shower tray and wall cladding) into a single unified element.
3Reliability
If multiple trades are involved in shower replacement, then comprehensive renovation is achieved, but renovation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shower replacement system into modular components that can be installed as a complete unit by a single tradesperson. The integrated design with pre-assembled parts allows for streamlined installation without requiring coordination between multiple specialized trades.
Solution Approach 2:
The shower tray is pre-assembled with integrated side walls and other components before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction work and eliminates the need for multiple trades to perform sequential tasks, thereby reducing overall renovation time.
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
Enables rapid replacement of bathtubs by a single person, ensuring accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility and significantly reducing renovation time and costs by covering exposed walls and floor areas without additional tiling or painting, while maintaining efficient water drainage.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for conveying waste water from the means of evacuation of the shower tray to the waste water drainage means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The method involves removing a bath-tub from a site, and cutting a monoblock structure of a shower basin (21) having three side walls (22, 23, 24). A horizontal cornice (26) is extended towards outside of an upper end of the three side walls. A horizontal frontal cornice (27) is extended along an anterior part of the basin located at height of an upper end of a receiver. A water discharge unit i.e. bung (28), is connected to a water discharge unit in a toilet. The monoblock structure is installed in a site left vacant by the bath-tub by using a height adjustable support unit i.e. stand. An independent claim is also included for an installation for replacing an existing bath-tub by a shower, including a shower basin.