Modular Bathroom Off-Site Construction for Accessible Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathrooms in homes require significant remodeling to accommodate physically challenged individuals, leading to delays and inefficiencies due to permitting and construction issues, especially when full bathrooms are not available on the ground floor.
Innovation Solution
A modular bathroom is constructed off-site and transported to be coupled to an existing structure, including a layout template for precise installation, leveling members, and features for accessibility, with a trailer system for transport and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bathroom remodeling is performed to accommodate physically challenged individuals, then accessibility features can be provided, but the construction time is extended to months with frequent delays due to permitting and construction issues
Solution Approach 1:
The bathroom is divided into a pre-fabricated modular unit that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a complete assembly. This segmentation allows the bathroom to be built in a controlled factory environment and then quickly installed at the site, resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive accessibility features and minimizing construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The bathroom module is completely constructed with all accessibility features, fixtures, and utilities pre-installed before delivery to the site. This preliminary action eliminates on-site construction delays and permitting issues, while ensuring all necessary accessibility accommodations are properly integrated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bathroom remodeling is performed, then existing bathroom spaces can be modified, but significant remodeling of the home structure is required which increases complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The bathroom is segmented into a self-contained modular unit that includes all necessary components and fixtures. This modular approach eliminates the need for complex structural remodeling of the home, as the entire bathroom can be replaced or added as a single unit, significantly reducing project complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bathroom function is extracted from the existing home structure and implemented as a separate, movable module. This extraction allows the bathroom to be installed without major structural modifications to the home, reducing remodeling complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Productivity
If a modular bathroom is constructed off-site and transported, then installation time is reduced, but transportation and coupling to existing structure requires specialized equipment and planning
Solution Approach 1:
The modular bathroom is designed with universal mounting features and standardized coupling mechanisms that can interface with various existing structures. This universality allows the module to be transported and installed using general-purpose equipment rather than specialized custom equipment, reducing the complexity of the transportation system while maintaining high installation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular bathroom that is constructed at a first location and transported to a second location wherein the modular bathroom is configured to operably couple to an existing structure at the second location and wherein the modular bathroom is designed to accommodate physically challenged individuals. The method of the present invention provides a technique to construct the modular bathroom at a first location. The modular bathroom includes releasably secured transportation elements such as but not limited to a wheel axle member and a lifting member. A layout template is provided in order to assist and ensure the proper preparation of the second location prior to the delivery of the modular bathroom. The modular bathroom is delivered to the second location and elevated if necessary so as to align the floor thereof with the floor of the existing structure. The transportation elements are removed after installation for re-use.