Shower apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower curtains encroach on the user's bathing space due to rising heated air creating low-pressure areas, which existing solutions fail to address effectively, especially in terms of ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A modular shower apparatus comprising a hanger clip, base rod, base plate assembly, and moveable arms that deploy to form a curved arch structure, allowing the shower curtain to be braced away from the user, easily installed and adaptable to various shower dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a curved shower rod is used to force the curtain away from the shower space, then the shower space is increased, but the installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the shower curtain support function into multiple independent components: a rod section that attaches to the shower rod, a base plate assembly with pivot points, and adjustable arms that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and easy to manufacture while collectively achieving the curved configuration that increases shower space.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are designed to be movable relative to the base plate assembly, allowing the configuration to be adjusted and adapted to different shower spaces. The pivot connections enable the arms to be positioned at various angles to optimize the curtain bracing effect without requiring a fixed, complex curved rod design.
2Volume of moving object
If a curved shower rod is used to force the curtain away from the shower space, then the shower space is increased, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into separate functional components (rod section, base plate, arms), each part can be manufactured using simple, inexpensive processes rather than requiring costly fabrication of a complete curved rod. The segmented design allows for standardized production of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm configuration replaces the need for a permanently curved rod, allowing the same functional effect to be achieved with straight, adjustable components that are cheaper to manufacture and install.
3Ease of operation
If the shower curtain center of gravity is kept high, then the curtain is easier to hang, but the bottom of the curtain still encroaches on the usable shower space
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanical structure (the arm assembly with anchor plates) between the shower curtain and the shower space boundaries. This intermediary physically braces the curtain at multiple points, preventing the bottom from encroaching on usable space while allowing the top to remain high on the rod for easy hanging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a horizontal dimension of support by extending arms outward from the vertical rod to anchor against the side walls. This creates a three-dimensional bracing structure that prevents curtain encroachment without requiring changes to the vertical hanging arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for an improved shower appurtenance for bracing a shower curtain away from a user including a hanger clip configured for removable connection with a shower curtain rod and a base rod with a first end and a second end where the first end is connected with the hanger clip. A base plate assembly is connected to the second end of the base rod and an arm or a pair or arms movably connected with the base plate such that the arm or the pair of arms are moveable from an undeployed position to a deployed position where the undeployed position is approximately parallel to the base rod and the deployed position is approximately perpendicular to the base rod.