Shower threshold and methods of implementation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sliding shower doors with rigid frames can be uncomfortable and unsafe for users to enter or exit, as the upwardly extending thin walls may cause pain and are not suitable for placing padded items without impeding door movement.

Innovation Solution

A shower threshold with an elongated base component and a flexible cap composed of multiple layers, including a softer core and a more rigid shell, providing a comfortable surface while maintaining water resistance and guiding the shower doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid frame with upwardly extending thin walls is used to guide sliding shower doors, then the shower doors are properly guided and water is contained, but the threshold becomes uncomfortable and unsafe for users to enter or exit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor guidance and water containmentVSAvoiduser comfort during entry/exit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by covering the rigid upwardly extending thin walls with a flexible cap made of soft, compliant material. This flexible shell maintains the structural guidance function while providing a comfortable surface for users to step on during entry and exit, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable door guidance and user comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the rigid frame structure with a flexible cap covering. The composite construction integrates the hard, structurally necessary frame with the soft, user-friendly surface, allowing the threshold to simultaneously provide reliable door guidance and comfortable user interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the rigid frame material extends the entire length of the shower to provide water barrier and guidance, then water containment is improved, but the threshold becomes unsafe and uncomfortable for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater barrier functionVSAvoiduser safety and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent covers the rigid water-containing frame with a flexible cap that provides a safe, comfortable walking surface. This flexible shell maintains the water barrier function of the rigid frame while eliminating the harmful effect of hard, uncomfortable surfaces that could injure users during entry and exit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9856690B2Shower threshold and methods of implementation

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 KOHLER CO(US)

AI summary

A shower threshold and a method of implementing a shower threshold are disclosed. The shower threshold includes an elongated base component having one or more sidewalls extending from a base region of the elongated base component to an apex of the elongated base portion. The shower threshold also includes a flexible cap coupled to and extending from the elongated base component along the apex of the elongated base component. The flexible cap may be composed of a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers includes a core layer and a shell layer. The core layer is composed of a material that is softer than the shell layer.