Shower Door Base Member with Liquid Diverter to Reduce Water Escape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower door assemblies often allow liquid water to escape from the bathing area underneath the door, between the door and the base member or shower sill, into the surrounding dry area due to the design of the existing base members which do not effectively divert liquid back into the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A base member with a recessed inner side and a diverter surface oriented at an acute angle is positioned between the door panel and the outer side, redirecting liquid flowing from the door panel back into the bathing enclosure, preventing it from escaping into the outside environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional base member is used, then the door assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but liquid water escapes from the bathing area underneath the door
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is divided into distinct functional zones: a first region with a downward slope to receive liquid, a second region with an upward slope to divert liquid back into the bathing area, and a third region that is substantially level. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function in the liquid management process, effectively containing water while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member utilizes dimensional changes in its surface profile, transitioning from a conventional flat or simple curved surface to a multi-region surface with varying slopes and elevations. The first region slopes downward away from the door, the second region slopes upward toward the door, and the third region provides a level transition zone, creating a three-dimensional liquid management system that effectively contains and redirects water flow.
2Reliability
If the base member inner side is positioned close to the door panel, then liquid containment is improved, but accessibility and safety are reduced due to lack of smooth transition
Solution Approach 1:
The base member incorporates a third region that is substantially level and positioned between the second region and the outer side, creating a smooth transition zone. This segmentation ensures that while the first and second regions effectively contain and divert liquid, the third region provides a gradual, safe transition for users, eliminating abrupt changes in elevation that could cause trips or falls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the base member are assigned different local qualities: the first region has a downward slope optimized for liquid reception, the second region has an upward slope optimized for liquid diversion, and the third region has a level surface optimized for user accessibility and safety. This local differentiation allows the base member to simultaneously achieve effective liquid containment and user-friendly accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A shower door assembly includes a door panel having an inner surface to face a bathing enclosure, and a base member having an upper surface positioned between an inner side and an outer side. The base member inner side is positioned between the door panel inner surface and the base member outer side. The inner side at least partially defines a recess and is shaped to receive liquid from and divert liquid back to the bathing enclosure. A base for a moveable door has a substrate defining upper and lower surfaces extending between first and second edge regions, and a first leg section extending from the substrate lower surface and offset from the first edge region. The first leg section and the first edge region of the substrate cooperate to define a liquid diverter extending longitudinally to redirect flow away from the substrate upper surface.