Recessed Subfloor Structure for Curbless Shower Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shower enclosures with raised thresholds pose barriers for individuals with mobility challenges and complicate the installation of curbless or barrier-free shower designs, as they require reconfiguring the subfloor to ensure the shower tray is level with the surrounding floor tiles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using spanning braces and support brackets to create a recessed subfloor panel at a lower elevation than the primary subfloor, allowing for the installation of curbless shower trays with upper surfaces at the same elevation as the surrounding subfloor, thereby facilitating seamless flooring installation and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a raised threshold (curb) is used to retain water in the shower, then water containment is improved, but accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional raised curb structure from the shower enclosure, extracting the barrier element that impedes accessibility. Instead, it uses a recessed subfloor panel with integrated drainage to contain water, thereby eliminating the accessibility obstacle while maintaining water retention functionality through a different structural approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than raising the shower floor level with a curb to contain water, the patent inverts the approach by recessing the shower subfloor panel below the surrounding subfloor level. This creates a depression that naturally contains water through gravity drainage while providing a step-free entry that improves accessibility.
2Reliability
If a raised threshold (curb) is used, then water retention is improved, but floor space utilization deteriorates due to design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional curbless shower design by recessing the subfloor panel instead of requiring the shower floor to be level with or raised above the surrounding floor. This inversion allows for more flexible and efficient use of floor space while maintaining water retention through the recessed configuration and integrated drainage system.
3Ease of operation
If the subfloor is reconfigured to support a curbless shower, then accessibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the subfloor structure into distinct segments: a recessed subfloor panel for the shower area and a surrounding subfloor at a higher level. This segmentation allows the shower area to be independently configured with appropriate drainage and support structures, simplifying the overall reconfiguration process while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a recessed subfloor panel as an intermediary structure between the surrounding subfloor and the shower drainage system. This intermediary component facilitates the transition to a curbless design by providing a pre-configured recessed platform that simplifies installation and reduces structural complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the shower tray is recessed below the surrounding subfloor, then seamless flooring installation is improved, but support structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into discrete elements including joists, blocking, and the recessed subfloor panel itself. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and positioned, facilitating seamless flooring installation while managing support structure complexity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the recessed subfloor panel with integrated support features and drainage connections before final installation. This preliminary preparation ensures proper positioning and support while simplifying the overall installation process, reducing the complexity of on-site structural work.
Data Source
AI summary
A flooring installation includes at least two floor supports separated from one another by a span distance, the floor supports each having lateral, vertical side walls between which an opening is defined. A bay is defined between the floor supports. A primary subfloor is supported atop and attached to one of the at least two floor supports, the primary subfloor including an overhanging portion overhanging a portion of the bay. A spanning brace is disposed between the at least two floor supports in the bay, the spanning brace engaging on opposing ends the lateral, vertical side walls of the floor supports, one end of the spanning brace extending beneath and spaced from the overhanging portion of the primary subfloor. A recessed subfloor panel is supported atop the spanning brace, the recessed subfloor panel being supported at a lower elevation than the overhanging portion of the adjacent, primary subfloor.