Foldable bathtub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable bathtubs on the market suffer from unstable connections at folded portions due to detachable limiting structures, leading to potential structural instability and inconvenience during frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bathtub design featuring a supporting ring with left and right ring portions connected by symmetric connecting assemblies, including hinge shafts and resisting members, allowing for stable folding without disassembly, and enhanced by a double injection molding process for secure material integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable limiting block is used to connect the left ring portion and right ring portion, then the bathtub can be limited in a using state, but the structure becomes unstable under significant external force and requires frequent disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is divided into multiple functional components: hinge shafts for rotation, resisting members for limiting movement, and integrating members for secure connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to achieve both ease of operation and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resisting members are pre-installed on the hinge shafts to limit the rotation range before any external force is applied. This preliminary action prevents excessive movement and ensures stable connection from the outset, eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and reassembly.
2Reliability
If punching, positioning, and locking operations are performed during production to achieve connection, then the folding mechanism becomes complex, but mounting complexity increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (punching, positioning, locking, and limiting) are merged into an integrated connecting assembly that can be installed as a single unit. The integrating member combines these functions, allowing the entire connecting assembly to be mounted in one operation without separate punching, positioning, and locking steps, thereby reducing mounting complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational movement through hinge shafts, limits rotation range through resisting members, and ensures secure connection through integrating members. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall structure and reducing mounting complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable limiting structure is used, then the bathtub can be folded and stored, but the limiting block will not be firmly connected after frequent repeated detaching and mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The resisting members are pre-installed on the hinge shafts to limit the rotation range before any folding operation. This preliminary action ensures that the connection remains firm throughout frequent folding and unfolding cycles, as the resisting members prevent excessive movement that could loosen the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is designed to maintain its own connection firmness through the self-limiting action of the resisting members. As the bathtub is folded and unfolded, the resisting members automatically prevent excessive movement, ensuring the connection remains firm without requiring external intervention or reassembly.
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
Ensures firm connection and stability during folding and unfolding, improving user safety and convenience by preventing separation of components, while maintaining a smooth operation and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
the first hinge shafts are in clearance fit with the hinge holes
Implementation Method 2
a resisting member for preventing the first connecting member from separating from the supporting ring is further arranged on the first connecting member
Implementation Method 3
enhanced by a double injection molding process for secure material integration
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a foldable bathtub. The foldable bathtub includes a tub body and a supporting ring, where the supporting ring includes a left ring portion and a right ring portion, where two connecting assemblies are symmetrically arranged between the left ring portion and the right ring portion, and each connecting assembly includes a first connecting member, where the first connecting member includes a first body and first hinge shafts, and a resisting member is further arranged on the first connecting member; and supporting legs are arranged on the supporting ring. During folding, the left ring portion or the right ring portion rotates around the connecting assemblies without disassembling the connecting assemblies, and thus operation is simple.