Bathtub Overflow Plate Concealment Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overflow plate replacement systems are difficult to install, interfere with fluid flow, and are not universal in accommodating various shapes and sizes of overflow plates.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an overflow plate cover with a retention plate that securely attaches to the bathtub wall, allowing for easy installation and concealment of overflow plates without obstructing fluid flow, and is designed to fit most overflow plate styles and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clip is used to attach the cover to the overflow plate, then the cover can be installed, but the clip may fail or loosen over time and obstruct the fluid opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic clip component and replaces it with a retention plate that attaches directly to the bathtub wall. The retention plate has a lip that engages with the overflow plate's protrusion, eliminating the clip's retention function while preventing clip failure and obstruction issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention plate serves as an intermediary component between the bathtub wall and the overflow plate cover. It provides a stable mounting structure that secures the cover without obstructing fluid flow, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and reliable retention.
2Shape
If a supplemental cover is used to conceal the overflow plate, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the fluid flow rate may be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The cover and retention plate are designed with localized openings that provide aesthetic coverage in most areas while maintaining unobstructed fluid flow paths. The opening in the retention plate aligns with the overflow plate's fluid opening, ensuring that the local quality of the cover provides appearance improvement without sacrificing overall fluid flow productivity.
3Ease of repair
If traditional overflow plate replacement is attempted, then plumbing changes can be made, but the process is laborious and requires re-testing the plumbing system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the overflow system into modular components: the existing overflow plate, the retention plate, and the cover. This segmentation allows aesthetic modifications without disturbing the underlying plumbing system, enabling easy repair and replacement while eliminating time-consuming re-testing requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a clip-based cover system is used, then installation is possible, but the clip obstructs the fluid opening and decreases fluid flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clip component entirely and replaces it with a retention plate that attaches to the bathtub wall. This elimination of the clip removes the obstruction to the fluid opening while maintaining cover attachment functionality, thus preserving fluid flow rate.
Data Source
AI summary
An overflow plate concealing device for bathtubs that is associated with a plate of an overflow system of the bathtub. This aspect of the invention allows the overflow plate to be concealed to allow the user to alter the aesthetic appearance of their bathtub or repair the same.