Level entry shower system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level entry shower systems face challenges such as heavy and difficult-to-clean cover plates, complex installation processes, and the need for various shower pan sizes to accommodate different installations, leading to increased costs and installation time.
Innovation Solution
A curbless, stepped shower tray with an easy-to-install drain assembly featuring a cup, clamping flange, gasket, grate retainer, and adjuster, which provides a watertight seal and allows for adjustable installation without modifying existing floor structures, using materials like acrylic plastic or PVC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable cover plate is used to support the wheelchair above the tray, then level entry is achieved, but the cover plate becomes heavy and difficult to remove for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from a separate heavy cover plate and integrates it into the tray structure itself through the stepped upper surface design. The steps provide structural support for the wheelchair directly, eliminating the need for a separate cover plate component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function and the tray structure into a single integrated unit. The stepped upper surface combines the tray body with built-in support steps, eliminating the need for separate cover plates and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If curbs are added around the exterior of the tray to prevent wastewater escape, then drainage control is improved, but installation difficulty and expense increase due to required ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the containment function locally at the critical drainage points rather than around the entire perimeter. The linear drain and strategic positioning of steps provide wastewater containment only where needed, eliminating the need for full perimeter curbs and associated ramps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using curbs to contain water and then providing ramps for access, the invention inverts the approach by using steps that naturally guide water toward the drain while providing direct wheelchair access, eliminating the need for separate containment structures.
3Reliability
If a raised central portion with wastewater channel is used to direct runoff, then drainage is achieved, but cleaning and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the drainage function into multiple linear drain sections positioned along the perimeter rather than a single central channel. This segmentation allows each drain section to be independently accessed and cleaned, and simplifies the overall tray structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shower pan sizes are stocked to accommodate different shower sizes, then adaptability is improved, but inventory complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the tray with adjustable and modular components that can accommodate multiple shower sizes and configurations. The linear drain system and adjustable step positions allow a single tray design to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific inventories.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing an easy to install shower tray and drain assembly. The tray comprises a stepped upper surface and a receptor having at least one step for receiving the drain assembly. In certain embodiments, the drain assembly comprises a cup for securing the drain assembly to the receptor and to a drainage pipe, a clamping flange for securing a waterproof floor covering between itself and the cup, at least one seal for providing a watertight seal between the clamping flange and cup. The drain assembly may further comprise a grate, a grate retainer, and an adjuster for adjustably securing the grate retainer to the clamping flange.