Portable Steam Spa Segmentation and Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and space requirements of installing a traditional sauna in the home, along with the need for extensive electrical and water modifications, make it impractical to enjoy the health benefits of steam sauna treatments without leaving the home.
Innovation Solution
A portable spa system that includes a steam generating unit, a planar shell with a door and skirt, a condensate tray, and a control circuit, allowing for a self-contained steaming spa treatment that can be easily set up and used in a home environment, with features like a thermostat and ground fault circuit interrupter for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional sauna is installed in the home, then the health benefits of steam sauna treatments can be enjoyed at home, but the installation cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional sauna into separate functional components: a steam generating unit, a seating area with backrest, and a footrest. These segmented components can be independently positioned and configured within a home environment, allowing the system to fit into smaller spaces while maintaining all essential sauna functions
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generating unit is extracted as a separate removable component that can be positioned on the footrest or adjacent to the seating area. This extraction allows the main seating area to be more compact while the steam generation function remains accessible, reducing the overall space footprint compared to a traditional integrated sauna
2Ease of operation
If a traditional sauna is installed in the home, then steam sauna treatments can be enjoyed at home, but the installation cost and complexity increase due to electrical and water modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generating unit is extracted as a self-contained component with its own water reservoir and steam generation mechanism. This unit can be positioned independently on the footrest or adjacent to the seating area, eliminating the need for complex hardwired water and electrical connections to the seating area, thereby reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generating unit appears to be self-contained with integrated water storage and steam generation capabilities. The unit can operate independently without requiring external water lines or complex electrical modifications, as it serves its own fluid and energy needs, simplifying the overall installation process
3Reliability
If a traditional sauna is built into the home, then permanent sauna access is achieved, but the cost and real estate utilization efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sauna system is segmented into movable components including the seating area with backrest and the steam generating unit. This segmentation transforms the traditional permanent fixed sauna into a flexible configuration that can be repositioned or reconfigured within the home, maintaining reliable access while improving real estate utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility by making the steam generating unit removable and repositionable between different locations (on the footrest or adjacent to the seating area). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different space requirements and usage scenarios, providing permanent access without permanent fixed installation
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 users to enjoy the health benefits of steam sauna treatments in a cost-effective and space-efficient manner, providing a safe and secure portable solution for home use.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generating unit producing a steaming spa treatment for a user which resides within an interior of the portable spa system
Implementation Method 2
The condensate tray is sized to contain an amount of condensate produced during operation of the steam generating unit
Data Source
AI summary
A portable spa is particularly suited for use by an individual. The portable spa includes a housing defining an interior having a pair of rear wheels disposed beneath a rear side edge of the base of the housing. A hinged door provides access to the interior while an aperture and circumferential seal is disposed upon an upper surface of the housing. This enables for a portion of the body of a user to be situated above and exterior to the housing. An adjustable seat, control panel, water reservoir, condensate pan, aromatherapy oil reservoir and electrical heating unit are secured within the housing. The spa also comprises an oven limit safety thermostat to prevent overheating. An exterior switch actuates the spa.