Foam Roll Bath Mat with Suction Stabilization for Leg Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a bath mat that allows users to rest and elevate their legs while bathing, as modern bathtubs lack a suitable surface for this purpose, and existing solutions have been unsuccessful in providing a reliable and secure option.
Innovation Solution
A foam roll bath mat with suction cups on its bottom surface, made of waterproof materials like rubber, which secures to the bathtub to prevent displacement, featuring a cylindrical support for leg elevation and made in various lengths to accommodate different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bath mat is placed in the bathtub to allow leg elevation, then user comfort is improved, but the bath mat may displace or slide during use
Solution Approach 1:
The bath mat is divided into two functional parts: a flat base portion that provides a stable surface for leg elevation, and multiple suction cup elements distributed across the bottom surface that independently secure the mat to the bathtub. This segmentation allows the support function and stabilization function to operate independently and effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Suction cups serve as an intermediary mechanism between the bath mat and the bathtub surface. These suction cups create a vacuum bond that acts as a mediating force to prevent sliding and displacement, allowing the bath mat to remain stable while maintaining its leg-elevation function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bath mat is made secure to the bathtub, then displacement is prevented, but the mat may be difficult to remove and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups provide a dynamic bonding mechanism that is strong during use but easily released when needed. By applying gentle pulling or twisting motion, the vacuum seal is broken, allowing the mat to be removed and repositioned without damage. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction between secure attachment and easy repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups automatically create and maintain the vacuum seal once the mat is placed on the bathtub, requiring no additional fastening actions. Similarly, they automatically release when the mat is lifted, eliminating the need for complex removal mechanisms. The system serves itself through the natural properties of suction and vacuum.
3Reliability
If the bath mat is made from waterproof materials like rubber, then durability and water resistance are improved, but the material may be less comfortable against the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The bath mat employs different material qualities in different areas: the top surface uses a softer, more skin-friendly material for comfort during leg elevation, while the bottom surface uses waterproof rubber material for durability and suction cup attachment. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and waterproof durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bath mat is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple materials with complementary properties. The top layer provides softness and skin comfort, while the base layer provides waterproofing and structural integrity. This composite approach allows the mat to simultaneously achieve both comfort and durability that single materials cannot provide.
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 foam roll bath mat effectively secures to the bathtub, allowing users to rest and elevate their legs during bathing, preventing sliding and accommodating various user sizes, thus addressing the need for a reliable solution.
Implementation Method 1
comprising suction cups on a bottom surface thereby securing the bath mat to a bath tub to prevent unwanted displacement while in use
Data Source
AI summary
A foam roll bath mat comprising suction cups on a bottom surface thereby securing the bath mat to a bathtub to prevent unwanted displacement while in use structured and arranged to allow a user to rest and elevate their legs while bathing.