Mobile Partition Bathtub for Faster Filling and Safe Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with motor disabilities or elderly individuals face challenges accessing and using traditional bathtubs without access doors, as they must wait uncomfortably for the bathtub to fill with water before entering, compromising safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A bathtub with a mobile partition that divides the main compartment into two semi-compartments, featuring an outflow valve that can be manually operated to allow water to flow between them, enabling faster filling and safer access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bathtub is designed without an access door for traditional use, then the structure is simpler and more traditional, but users with motor disabilities or elderly individuals cannot safely access the bathtub
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub is segmented into two separate compartments by a mobile partition, allowing independent access to each compartment. This segmentation enables users with motor disabilities to access the bathtub safely through the access door while maintaining traditional bathtub functionality in the other compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile partition can be moved between compartments or removed entirely, dynamically adapting the bathtub configuration. This dynamic element allows the access door to be positioned in the most convenient location while maintaining structural flexibility and simplicity.
2Loss of time
If the bathtub is filled with water before the user enters, then the user can enter immediately, but water may leak out of the access door during filling
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bathtub into two compartments with the mobile partition, the system allows one compartment to be filled with water while the other remains dry for user entry. This segmentation prevents water leakage issues while eliminating waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary filling of one compartment before the user enters the other compartment. This preliminary action ensures water is ready when needed while preventing leakage during the filling process by isolating it from the access door area.
3Ease of operation
If the user enters the bathtub before it is filled with water, then access is immediate and safe, but the user must wait uncomfortably for several minutes for the bathtub to fill
Solution Approach 1:
The bathtub is divided into two compartments, allowing the user to enter one compartment immediately while water fills the other compartment separately. This eliminates the uncomfortable waiting period while maintaining immediate access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile partition acts as an intermediary element that separates the water-filling process from the user-entry process. This allows both actions to occur simultaneously without interference, eliminating waiting time while maintaining ease of access.
4Ease of operation
If an access door is added to the bathtub, then users with motor disabilities can access safely, but the bathtub structure becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The access door is integrated as part of the mobile partition system that segments the bathtub into two compartments. This integration allows safe access for users with motor disabilities while managing structural complexity through a unified design approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile partition with integrated access door serves multiple functions: it provides safe access for users with disabilities, divides the bathtub into separate compartments, and can be repositioned or removed as needed. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple features into a single element.
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 mobile partition system allows for efficient distribution of hot water between compartments, reducing waiting time and enhancing user safety and comfort by enabling quicker filling and easier access.
Implementation Method 1
one outflow valve (5), which is disposed in said at least one hole (F) and adapted to be in a first position, wherein it blocks said at least one hole (F), preventing water from passing through said at least one hole (F), and a second position, wherein it allows water to pass through said at least one hole (F)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
Bathtub (1) comprising a main compartment (2), an access door (3) to said main compartment (2) and a mobile partition (4), which divides said main compartment (2) in two semi-compartments (21, 22) and comprising at least one hole (F) and at least one outflow valve (5) disposed in said at least one hole (F) in order to provide communication between said two semi-compartments (21, 22).