Shower door track

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rigid upstanding lips on metal shower door tracks cause discomfort and pain when users step into or out of the tub or reach into the shower, as they lack flexibility and can collide with legs or chests.

Innovation Solution

A flexible rubber or elastomeric strip is integrated into the lower track, which bends when force is applied, reducing the impact on users' feet or chests and conforming to the American Disabilities Act standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid metal lower track with an upstanding lip is used, then water containment is effective, but user safety and comfort deteriorate due to lack of flexibility causing pain when contacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater containmentVSAvoiduser pain and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid metal upstanding lip with a flexible strip made of elastomeric material that can bend and flex when contacted by a user's foot or body, eliminating pain while maintaining the water barrier function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the upstanding lip from rigid to flexible by using an elastomeric material with appropriate durometer hardness, allowing it to deform under contact force while still providing effective water containment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a rigid upstanding lip is used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort when users step in or reach into the shower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elastomeric strip provides both structural integrity for water containment and flexibility for user comfort, allowing the barrier to yield when contacted while maintaining its water-blocking function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction with the flexible strip integrated into the lower track assembly, combining the water-blocking function with shock-absorbing flexibility to achieve both strength and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The flexible strip minimizes pain and discomfort by flexing upon contact, providing a safer and more comfortable user experience while maintaining water containment within the shower area.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible rubber or elastomeric strip is integrated into the lower track, which bends when force is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10791879B2Shower door track

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 BCI ACRYLIC INC

AI summary

A shower door track for mounting in a bathtub or shower. The shower door track is supported on the bathtub or shower and has a top surface to direct water into the tub. A channel extends the length of the track. A flexible elastomeric strip is mounted in the channel and bends when the user applies a horizontal force to the elastomeric strip to prevent injury or discomfort to the user.