Magnetic Composite Plastic Bathware for Accessory Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic bathware lacks magnetic properties, making it incompatible with magnetic attachment systems used in shower curtains, mats, and toys, which are aesthetically and functionally inferior to metal bathware.

Innovation Solution

A plastic bathing fixture with a non-magnetic show-surface layer and a magnetic or magnetizable subsurface layer, comprising ferromagnetic metal fillers, sheets, or meshes, allowing magnets to attach accessories like shower curtains effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If plastic bathware is used, then light weight and design versatility are improved, but magnetic attachment functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidmagnetic attachment functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by embedding ferromagnetic particles within the plastic matrix to create a composite plastic material that combines the light weight and design versatility of plastic with the magnetic properties needed for accessory attachment. This resolves the contradiction by integrating two material systems (plastic and ferromagnetic) into a single functional material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating ferromagnetic particles in specific regions of the plastic bathware where magnetic attachment is needed, such as along the upper rim or perimeter of the bathtub. This allows the plastic to maintain its overall non-magnetic, lightweight properties while providing localized magnetic functionality for curtain and accessory attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If metal bathware is used, then magnetic attachment functionality is improved, but weight and aesthetic degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic attachment functionalityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system where ferromagnetic particles are dispersed within a plastic matrix, combining the magnetic properties of metal with the light weight and aesthetic qualities of plastic. This allows magnetic attachment functionality without the full weight penalty of metal construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent concentrates magnetic properties in specific locations within the plastic bathware structure, providing magnetic attachment capability only where needed while maintaining the overall plastic construction for light weight and aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic particles are added to plastic, then magnetic properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic particle incorporation step with the existing plastic molding process, allowing ferromagnetic particles to be mixed into the plastic material before or during molding. This integration approach avoids adding separate manufacturing steps and leverages existing production infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the material composition parameters of the plastic by incorporating ferromagnetic particles at controlled concentrations and distributions, allowing adjustment of magnetic strength while maintaining compatibility with standard plastic molding processes and material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the use of magnetic accessories on plastic bathware, maintaining aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning while providing effective attachment, similar to metal bathware.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8185980B2Magnetic plastic bathware

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 AQUATIC CO

AI summary

A plastic bathing fixture formed substantially or entirely of a laminated composite material comprising a show-surface layer of gel-coat or thermoplastic sheet material which may be non-magnetic; a magnetic or magnetizable layer which may coincide with the show-surface layer or be a subsurface layer; and a non-magnetic structural layer of fiber-reinforced resin material. The magnetic layer materials may be localized or strategically placed, and may comprise a resin with a particulate ferromagnetic filler.