Tileable receptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional receptor devices for bathing or washing applications are difficult and time-consuming to install, often leading to improper sloping and waterproofing, which can result in damage, decay, and poor user experience, and are costly to replace or change.
Innovation Solution
A pre-fabricated tileable receptor system with a layered material structure, including a structural layer, a polymeric layer, and a membrane layer, designed to facilitate easy installation and provide a waterproof base for tiled surfaces, featuring a sloped portion to direct liquids to a drain area, with a surface texture for mechanical bonding with tile adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional receptors are used, then installation is possible, but the installation process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The receptor is pre-fabricated with the sloped portion and waterproofing membrane already integrated into the layered structure during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for installers to create slopes and apply waterproofing layers on-site, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while ensuring consistent quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptor employs a composite layered structure combining structural layer, polymeric layer, and membrane layer with surface texture. This integrated composite design provides structural support, waterproofing, and tile bonding capability in a single unit, simplifying installation while maintaining durability and functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional receptors are used, then a base can be provided, but improper sloping and waterproofing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sloped portion is pre-formed with precise geometry during manufacturing, ensuring accurate slope angles and proper water drainage paths. The waterproofing membrane is pre-installed and integrated into the layered structure, eliminating on-site application errors and ensuring consistent waterproofing performance across all installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite structure integrates the sloped structural layer with the waterproofing membrane layer, creating a unified system where both sloping and waterproofing functions are guaranteed by the factory-controlled layered construction rather than relying on variable on-site workmanship.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional receptors are used, then a base structure can be created, but it is expensive and difficult to change or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The receptor is designed as a self-contained modular unit with integrated functions (structural support, sloping, waterproofing, tile bonding). This segmentation allows the entire receptor assembly to be easily removed and replaced as a single unit without affecting surrounding structures, significantly improving adaptability and reducing replacement costs compared to conventional built-in systems.
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 solution simplifies the installation process, reduces the risk of improper sloping and waterproofing issues, and provides a durable, cost-effective solution for creating a tiled surface in shower environments, enhancing user experience and reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric layer is configured to be water impermeable
Implementation Method 2
The membrane layer includes a surface texture configured to promote a mechanical bond between the membrane layer and a tile adhesive material
Implementation Method 3
The structural layer is configured to maintain a shape of the sloped portion
Implementation Method 4
The sloped portion is configured to direct liquid toward the drain area
Data Source
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AI summary
A shower system for use in a shower environment includes a pre-fabricated tileable receptor configured for installing in the shower environment to provide a base for installing a tiled surface on top of the tileable receptor. The tileable receptor includes a drain area and a sloped portion configured to direct a liquid toward the drain area. The tileable receptor is made of a layered material including a structural layer and a membrane layer. The structural layer is configured to maintain a shape of the sloped portion. The membrane layer is supported by the structural layer and includes a surface texture. The membrane layer facilitates a mechanical bond with a tile adhesive material.