Immersible bath unit and system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable heating units for bathtubs pose risks of electric shock and are complex, making them unsuitable for use during bathing, and they often require additional water to maintain temperature, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A submerged bath unit with a sealed housing, impeller, and heating element powered by a low-voltage battery, using inductive charging and a wireless interface to control temperature and reduce water cooling rates without the need for external power or frequent water additions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If standard household electric service (120+ volts AC) is used to power immersible heaters, then heating capability is improved, but risk of electric shock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical power source with a battery-powered system operating at less than 12 volts. This substitution eliminates the harmful high-voltage electricity while maintaining heating capability through the heating element powered by the battery, directly resolving the contradiction between heating power and electric shock risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from standard household electric service (120+ volts AC) to a low-voltage battery system (less than 12 volts). This parameter change maintains the heating function while eliminating the electric shock hazard, as the low voltage is insufficient to cause dangerous shocks in water.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water is pumped out of the bathtub through separate units, then electric shock risk is removed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating element, pump, battery, and control circuitry into a single integrated immersible unit that can be placed directly in the bathtub. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate pumping systems and external heating units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety through the battery-powered design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealed housing as an intermediary that protects the electrical components (battery, circuitry) from water exposure. This sealed enclosure allows the unit to be safely immersed in water while protecting sensitive components, eliminating the need for complex external piping systems.
3Ease of operation
If immersible heaters are designed for use during bathing, then usability is improved, but safety risks increase due to electric shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the standard household electrical power source with a battery-powered system, eliminating the electric shock risk that prevents safe use during bathing. The battery-operated heating element can be safely immersed and used while the user is in the bathtub, directly improving usability without safety compromises.
4Temperature
If more hot water is added to maintain bath temperature, then temperature maintenance is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous heating through the battery-powered heating element that operates throughout the bath, continuously compensating for heat loss without requiring additional water. This continuous thermal action maintains temperature stability without the water consumption associated with periodic top-ups.
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 maintains bath water temperature, reduces water usage, and eliminates the risk of electric shock, providing a safer and more efficient warm bath experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element further disposed in the duct that is configured to heat water driven through the duct
Implementation Method 2
a battery disposed inside the sealed interior space which is configured to provide power to the impeller and heating element
Implementation Method 3
an inductive charging circuit configured to charge the battery and which comprises a coil disposed in a plane parallel to a plane of a bottom surface of the immersible bath unit
Data Source
AI summary
An immersible bath unit is configured to be submerged in a bathtub while a user takes a bath in the bathtub, and to provide a source of heat to reduce the rate at which the bath water would otherwise cool naturally. The immersible bath unit is battery powered to eliminate the risk of electric shock associated with water heaters powered by commercial AC electric service.