Movable bathtub assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for bathtubs and shower spaces in bathrooms often require a choice between separate shower and bathtub setups, leading to space inefficiencies, increased costs due to doubled fittings, and accessibility issues for elderly or disabled individuals, who need to use a stool for showering, which occupies additional space and complicates cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A movable bathtub assembly with a mechanism that allows the bathtub to be rotated from a horizontal bathing position to a vertical position, utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism with synchronized arm movement, enabling both bathtub and shower functions without the need for a separate shower space, and incorporating features like a sliding shower head and adjustable sewage removal system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate shower space and bathtub are installed, then shower and bathing functions are provided, but bathroom space is doubled and fittings costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shower space and bathtub into a single integrated unit. The bathtub can be rotated between a horizontal bathing position and a vertical shower position, eliminating the need for a separate shower enclosure and reducing overall bathroom space requirements while maintaining both shower and bathing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bathtub is designed with a rotational mechanism that allows it to dynamically change orientation between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic transformation enables the same structure to serve dual purposes: horizontal for bathing and vertical for showering, thereby maximizing space utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If a bathtub with shower fitting is used, then space is saved, but the high wall of the bathtub limits space and requires a bath curtain instead of permanent partition
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a fixed high wall bathtub, the invention uses a rotatable bathtub that transforms from horizontal to vertical position. This dynamic design provides a permanent partition when vertical (improving shower accessibility) while maintaining space efficiency, eliminating the need for bath curtains.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both bathtub and shower cabin have massage functions, then functionality is enhanced, but the cost of doubled fittings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bathtub-shower unit incorporates massage functions that work in both horizontal (bathing) and vertical (shower) positions. The same massage fittings serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate massage systems and reducing overall costs while maintaining enhanced functionality.
4Ease of operation
If a stool is kept in the bathroom for elderly or disabled persons, then accessibility is improved, but additional space is occupied and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable bathtub design allows elderly or disabled persons to transfer directly from a wheelchair into the bathtub in its horizontal position, eliminating the need for separate stools or benches. The same space can then be used for showering when the bathtub is rotated vertical, maintaining accessibility without occupying additional space.
Data Source
AI summary
Movable bathtub assembly characterized in that all arms, joints and mechanism mounting structures are arranged below an upper edge (29) of a bathtub (1) supported by its legs (7) on a base (30) and situated in the bathing position, in principle horizontally, completely inside the space defined by the upper edge (29) of the bathtub (1), the base (30) and walls (36) adjusted to the bathtub (1), in such way, that the bathtub is displaced following the rotation of arms (2, 3) from its bathing position to its vertical position, where the concave side of the bathtub is directed towards the place of its center in the bathing position.