Segmented Profile Strip Support for Sanitary Bathtub Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary tub support systems are complex to manufacture, require precise tailoring to tub sizes, and often result in high material costs and weight, with inadequate sound insulation due to large contact areas.

Innovation Solution

The use of profile strips made from rigid foam, which are easily adjustable in length and cross-section, providing a form-fitting support to the C-shaped tub edge, with optional adhesive fixation, and incorporating sound insulation materials for improved soundproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a one-piece foamed tub support is used, then the support structure is simple and easy to install, but the manufacturing process becomes complex requiring different molds for different bathtub sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmold complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arrangement is divided into multiple profile strips instead of using a single one-piece support. Each profile strip can be manufactured independently using the same mold, eliminating the need for different molds for different bathtub sizes. The profile strips are then assembled to form the complete support structure, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability to various tub sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a metallic frame support is used, then the support strength is high, but the weight and material costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidsupport weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support material is changed from metallic to foamed plastic, fundamentally altering the material parameters. Foamed plastic provides sufficient support strength for bathtub applications while dramatically reducing weight and material costs compared to metallic frames. The profile strip geometry is optimized to achieve the required mechanical properties with the lighter material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a voluminous molded body support is used, then the support provides large contact area for stability, but sound insulation is reduced due to large contact area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidsound insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support system uses multiple discrete profile strips positioned at specific locations along the bathtub rim rather than a continuous large-contact support. This localizes the support function to specific points while leaving gaps between the strips. The gaps provide sound insulation by reducing the contact area between the bathtub and the support structure, while the strategically positioned strips maintain installation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3375337B1Sanitation bath tub device
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 FRANZ KALDEWEI GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3375337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3375337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sanitary tub device with a sanitary tub (1) and a support arrangement for the sanitary tub (1), the sanitary tub (1) having a tub rim (2) with a C-shaped cross section and a lower edge (6). According to the invention, the support arrangement comprises a plurality of profile strips (2) which are separate from one another and are inserted into the C-shaped tub rim (3) and held there in a form-fitting manner.