Bath Grab Bar Sealing Arrangement for Watertight Wall Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab bar installations in bathing areas face issues with water penetration through the fastener areas, leading to wall damage due to exposure to moisture and running water.
Innovation Solution
A grab bar design featuring a leg with a reinforced hole and insert, combined with a flexible washer and o-ring seal, to prevent water ingress by creating a watertight seal between the grab bar and the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to secure the grab bar to the wall, then the grab bar is firmly attached to the wall, but water penetrates through the fastener areas causing wall damage
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member (grommet) is introduced as an intermediary component between the fastener and the wall opening. This seal member includes a first portion that receives the fastener and a second portion that seals against the wall opening, preventing water penetration while maintaining secure attachment. The intermediary seal member resolves the contradiction by decoupling the fastening function from the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member exhibits local quality by having different portions with different functions: the first portion (inner diameter) is designed to receive and accommodate the fastener, while the second portion (outer diameter) is designed to seal against the wall opening. This localized differentiation allows the single component to address both attachment strength and water prevention simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wall is exposed to moisture in bathing areas, then the grab bar can be installed in shower enclosures, but the wall becomes damaged due to moisture exposure through fastener areas
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member acts as a protective intermediary between the fastener system and the wall structure. By positioning the seal member at the interface where water penetration occurs, it prevents moisture from reaching the wall through the fastener areas, thereby maintaining wall durability while enabling installation in moisture-prone environments like shower enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member provides preliminary protection by preventing water from entering the wall before damage can occur. The seal is established during installation, creating a barrier that proactively prevents moisture infiltration and potential wall damage before it happens, rather than addressing damage after it occurs.
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 from entering the wall, enhancing the durability of the grab bar and wall by maintaining a watertight seal during installation and use.
Implementation Method 1
A seal is supported by the base and surrounds the hole to seal the grab bar relative to the wall
Implementation Method 2
An insert is arranged in the hole for reinforcement and is in an interference relationship to the leg to provide a seal there with
Implementation Method 3
A flexible washer is arranged between the fastener and the insert or leg to seal a head of the washer relative to the leg
Data Source
AI summary
A grab bar is disclosed for use in a bathing area. The grab bar includes a longitudinal bar extending to a leg that includes a base configured to be secured to a wall. The leg includes a hole, and a fastener is receive in the hole and extends through the base to the wall. A seal is supported by the base and surrounds the hole to seal the grab bar relative to the wall. An insert is arranged in the hole for reinforcement and is in an interference relationship to the leg to provide a seal there with. A flexible washer is arranged between the fastener and the insert or leg to seal a head of the washer relative to the leg.