Shower Surround Retainer Joint for Watertight Modular Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular tub/shower units face challenges in creating a suitable, uncomplicated, and aesthetically pleasing joint between surround portions that ensures a watertight seal.

Innovation Solution

A retainer assembly is mounted within an outer band section to receive an inner band section, forming a waterproof joint by 'clipping' the sections together, with resilient seals providing a seal and minimizing noise, and allowing for efficient storage and shipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional joint styles are used between shower surround portions, then sealing ability is achieved, but device complexity and aesthetic quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing abilityVSAvoidjoint complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is divided into functional segments: an outer band section providing structural support, an inner band section providing aesthetic finish, and a retainer assembly providing sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A retainer assembly acts as an intermediary component between the outer and inner band sections. This retainer provides the sealing function and mechanical connection, allowing the outer and inner bands to be simpler in design while still achieving reliable waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional joint styles are used between shower surround portions, then sealing ability is achieved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing abilityVSAvoidaesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the joint have different qualities optimized for their specific functions: the outer band is structurally robust, the inner band is aesthetically finished, and the retainer provides sealing. This local optimization allows the joint to be both beautiful and functional without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If modular surround portions are used, then ease of installation is improved, but productivity in storage and shipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstorage and shipment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner band section is nested within the outer band section, and the retainer assembly is nested within the joint structure. This nesting allows the modular portions to be compact during storage and shipment, improving productivity while maintaining ease of installation through the simple clip-together mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7634823B2Interface structure for a shower surround

Publication Date: 2009.12.22 MASCO CORP

AI summary

A tub surround includes a retainer assembly which is mounted within an outer band section to receive an inner band section to connect the surround sections. The retainer assembly also permits the surround to be arranged in a packaged arrangement, which is conducive to efficient storage and shipment.