Splash Guard

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bathtub splash guards are often made of non-eco-friendly materials, have sharp edges, and are inconvenient for adults, pose tripping hazards, and do not allow for easy cleaning, particularly when used by children.

Innovation Solution

A detachable and washable splash guard made of non-toxic, eco-friendly silicon material that can be folded for easy storage and cleaned in a dishwasher, with a tray-like structure extending into the bathtub to prevent water splashing and provide a sitting area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If splash guard is permanently mounted to bathtub rim, then water splashing prevention is effective, but convenience for adults getting in and out deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater splashing preventionVSAvoidconvenience for adults

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The splash guard is divided into multiple detachable components including a rim component with mounting arms and a body component, allowing the barrier to be removed or repositioned when needed while maintaining effectiveness during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If splash guard is made of hard plastic, then structural strength is improved, but safety and eco-friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsharp edges and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The material properties are changed from hard plastic to flexible silicone rubber, which maintains sufficient structural strength while eliminating sharp edges and providing non-toxic, eco-friendly characteristics safe for children

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The splash guard utilizes silicone rubber material that combines flexibility, strength, and safety properties, creating a composite structure that meets both structural and safety requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If splash guard is made of non-detachable material, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The splash guard is designed as detachable components that can be separated for thorough cleaning and drying, preventing bacterial growth while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism allows the splash guard to transition between attached and detached states, enabling easy removal for cleaning while maintaining stable attachment during normal use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If splash guard protrudes outward from bathtub, then water containment is improved, but safety deteriorates due to tripping hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater containmentVSAvoidtripping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of protruding outward from the bathtub rim, the splash guard body extends inward into the bathtub interior, reversing the traditional configuration to eliminate tripping hazards while maintaining water containment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250311894A1Splash Guard

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 TRIMNELL SANDRA

AI summary

A detachable and washable bathtub splash guard is provided to prevent water from splashing out of the bathtub onto the floor. The splash guard made of a rigid planar shelf and three surrounding walls is attached to the bathtub via affixing apparatus. The shelf space of the splash guard extends into the interior of the bathtub to eliminate safety hazards such as accidental hitting and tripping on it. The splash guard is constructed of non-toxic and more eco-friendly material. The present invention provides for a safe and eco-friendly splash guard for users.