Grounding mat assembly and methods of making and using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounding systems are not suitable for use in wet, high temperature, or high humidity environments such as bathtubs, saunas, or showers, as they can be energized and cause electrical shocks due to issues with electrical wiring, and may not provide effective grounding in homes without electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A grounding mat assembly connected by a metallic lead to a residential water system, which uses the metal piping or a metal coupling for grounding, ensuring safety and effectiveness in high humidity and temperature environments without electrical shock risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrical grounding system is used in wet, high temperature, or high humidity environments, then grounding effectiveness is achieved, but the risk of electrical shock increases due to potential wiring issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water piping as an intermediary grounding medium between the electrical system and the earth. The water piping system serves as a safe conductor that is already present in the environment, eliminating the need for additional electrical wiring in hazardous locations. This intermediary approach provides grounding effectiveness while avoiding the electrical shock risks associated with direct electrical grounding systems in wet, hot, or humid environments.
2Reliability
If a grounding rod system is used, then adequate grounding is provided, but the complexity of installation and potential connection issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing water piping infrastructure that is already installed in buildings to provide grounding. Instead of requiring separate grounding rod installation and wiring, the system leverages the self-existing water pipes as the grounding conductor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional installation complexity while maintaining grounding adequacy, as the water piping system is already in place and can be directly connected to grounding needs.
3Reliability
If electrical grounding is disconnected or damaged, then the grounding system fails, but the risk of inadvertent shock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a backup grounding pathway through the water piping system that is independent of the electrical grounding system. This prior cushioning approach ensures that if the electrical grounding connection is disconnected or damaged, the water piping grounding remains intact and functional, preventing inadvertent shocks. The dual-pathway design cushions against grounding system failures by having a redundant, independent grounding method already in place.
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 grounding mat assembly provides a safe and effective grounding surface in high temperature and humidity environments, reducing the likelihood of electrical shocks and offering durability, rust resistance, and ease of use, while maintaining the benefits of Earthing for user health.
Implementation Method 1
a grounding mat that is connected by a metallic lead to a residential water system
Implementation Method 2
uses the metal piping or a metal coupling for grounding
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments for using a grounding mat assembly, including providing a grounding mat, providing a metallic lead having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the metallic lead is operatively connected to the grounding mat, providing a residential water system, wherein the residential water system is operatively connected to the second end of the metallic lead, and contacting the grounding mat with a user's body, wherein the contacting of the grounding mat causes a transfer of energy from the ground into the user's body. Preferably, the grounding mat is constructed of a rust resistant, water resistant, heat resistant, high temperature resistant, UV resistant, and slip resistant material.