Shower assembly with integrated water collection and dispersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower assemblies are time-consuming to install, prone to water leakage due to improper sealing, and can lead to mold and damage issues from moisture accumulation behind the shower unit.
Innovation Solution
The improved shower assembly features a base with a collection area, interlocking panels with partial channels and baffling sections to direct water towards the base, and a retention cavity system to prevent water from reaching the walls, eliminating the need for sealants during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealant application methods are used during shower assembly, then water leakage can be restricted at seams and joints, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the traditional sealant application process and integrates it into the shower unit's structural design through interlocking panels with built-in sealing surfaces and channels. This eliminates the need for separate sealant application steps while maintaining water leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The shower unit's interlocking panels are designed with self-sealing capabilities through integrated gaskets and sealing surfaces that automatically seal when panels are assembled together. The system serves its own sealing needs without requiring external sealant application by workers.
2Ease of operation
If multiple water dispersion locations and high-pressure dispersion locations are used in modern shower design, then showering performance is improved, but water penetration through seams and joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary sealing measures during the manufacturing stage by integrating gaskets and sealing surfaces into the panel structures before installation. This preliminary sealing action prevents water from high-pressure dispersion locations from penetrating through seams during actual shower use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to water containment by incorporating three-dimensional channel structures and baffling sections that create multiple barriers against water penetration. These structural elements add depth and complexity to the sealing system, preventing water from bypassing seals through pressure alone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional piece-by-piece assembly methods are used for shower units, then flexibility in installation locations is improved, but construction time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shower unit into modular interlocking panels that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. Each panel is a discrete segment with standardized interlocking interfaces, allowing flexible installation configurations while maintaining relatively quick assembly through the standardized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions, water diversion functions, and structural support functions into integrated panel assemblies. By merging these functions into single modular units, the system reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled and assembled, thereby increasing assembly speed while preserving installation flexibility.
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 design significantly reduces installation time, effectively contains water within the shower unit, prevents moisture accumulation behind the walls, and minimizes the risk of mold and damage.
Implementation Method 1
the channel can be shaped to direct water down toward the base and away from the one or more walls
Implementation Method 2
the first panel can include at least one first baffling section positioned proximate the first partial channel and the second panel can include at least one second baffling section positioned proximate the second partial channel
Implementation Method 3
the first panel attaching side can include a first interlocking member. The second panel can include a wall side, an exposed side, a second height approximately equal the first height, a second panel attaching side, a second base end, and a second partial channel
Data Source
AI summary
A shower unit having an integrated locking system for ease of installation and preferably including a channel, baffling system, the retention cavity system that in combination to collect and direct fluid away from support walls and to a collection area.