Pre-Assembled Shower Base with Off-Site Waterproofing and Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shower base installation methods are prone to errors and increased liability due to on-site assembly and installation, which can lead to water damage and compromised structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A portable shower base assembly is assembled off-site, consisting of a spacer layer, curb, waterproof membrane, and drain, which are pre-assembled and tested for watertightness before installation, reducing on-site labor and potential errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shower base is assembled on-site, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation error rate increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shower base components (spacer layer, waterproof membrane, curb, drain) are pre-assembled and pre-tested for watertightness at a remote location before being transported to the installation site. This preliminary assembly and testing eliminates on-site installation errors while maintaining installation flexibility through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The shower base is divided into separable components (spacer layer, waterproof membrane, curb, drain) that can be pre-assembled as a modular unit. This segmentation allows for controlled pre-assembly and testing while enabling flexible on-site installation and replacement if needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shower base is assembled on-site, then customization is improved, but time consumption and rework costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex waterproofing assemblies are pre-configured and tested before delivery, eliminating time-consuming on-site waterproofing work. Customization is achieved through selecting different pre-assembled units rather than building them on-site, reducing both time and rework costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized modular shower base designs are used that can be replicated and installed quickly. The pre-assembled units serve as ready-to-install copies of proven designs, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom fabrication while maintaining adaptability through model selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If waterproof membrane is installed on-site, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but water damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof membrane is pre-installed and pre-tested for watertightness at a remote location before the shower base is delivered to the installation site. This preliminary waterproofing eliminates the risk of water damage from improper on-site installation while the modular design allows adaptation to different site conditions through unit selection.
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
This approach reduces the risk of installation errors, saves time and costs associated with rework, and allows for more complex and customized tile options, enhancing the efficiency and quality of shower base installations.
Implementation Method 1
the drain forms a watertight seal with the waterproof membrane
Implementation Method 2
The waterproof membrane mounting surface slopes towards the drain
Implementation Method 3
The curb is adhered to and extends along the side surface of the spacer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-installation method for a shower base includes obtaining a combination of layers forming the shower base where the combination of layers includes a waterproof membrane mounting surface and a subfloor facing surface opposite the waterproof membrane mounting surface. The method also includes adhering, in a remote location from an installation site, a waterproof membrane to the combination of layers forming the shower base. The method further includes water testing, in the remote location, the shower base with the adhered waterproof membrane.