Walk-In Bathtub Pump-Driven Drain to Reduce Egress Wait Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Walk-in bathtubs experience slow gravity-driven drainage, requiring bathers to occupy the tub for extended periods before the water level drops enough to open the door for egress, posing a risk for less agile individuals.
Innovation Solution
A water flow control system comprising a pump, valve, and controller that selectively positions the valve to circulate water through nozzles or direct it to a drain, with a sensor stopping the pump when the water level reaches a predetermined low, allowing for accelerated drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If gravity flow drainage is used in walk-in bathtub, then the structure is simple and requires no additional components, but the drainage time is excessively long (6-8 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive gravity-driven mechanical drainage system with an active pump-based mechanical system. The pump actively forces water through the drainage system, reducing drainage time from 6-8 minutes to a much shorter duration, while accepting the added complexity of pump, valve, and sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drainage parameter from passive gravity flow to active pressurized flow using a pump. This parameter change enables controlled, accelerated drainage while allowing the system to switch between circulation mode and drainage mode through valve control.
2Reliability
If the bather occupies the bathtub during drainage, then the door remains closed for safety, but the bather experiences discomfort and potential safety risks from prolonged occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary drainage action before the bather needs to exit. The accelerated pump-driven drainage quickly reduces the water level below the door threshold, creating safe exit conditions in advance, which allows the bather to exit promptly without prolonged discomfort or safety risks.
3Productivity
If a pump and control system are added to accelerate drainage, then drainage time is reduced by 5-8 minutes, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the water flow system multi-functional by using the same pump and piping infrastructure for both water circulation during bathing and accelerated drainage. The valve selectively directs water flow between circulation nozzles and the drain, allowing one system to serve multiple purposes and reducing overall complexity compared to having separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated sensor-controlled operation. The sensor detects when drainage is needed and automatically activates the pump and valve, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing the complexity of user interaction with the system.
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
Reduces drainage time by 5-8 minutes, enabling safer and quicker egress by ensuring water drains efficiently below the threshold level, allowing the door to be opened sooner.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for receiving a supply of water through an inlet mounted in a wall of a walk-in bathtub that defines a cavity for holding the water
Implementation Method 2
A valve for receiving water from the pump is selectively positioned in a first position and in a second position, the first position for communicating water to a manifold that communicates with a plurality of nozzles open to the cavity for circulating water within the walk-in bathtub and the second position for communicating water to a drain from the walk-in bathtub
Implementation Method 3
gravity draining residual water from the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerated drain apparatus for a walk-in bathtub, in which a pump communicates water to a valve selectively in a first position to circulate the water through nozzles into the bath water therein and in a second position to a drain, with a controller configured for moving the valve selectively between the first and second positions, and during draining, stopping the pump in response to a signal from a water level sensor and after a predetermined period of gravity draining of residual water, moving the valve to the first position for subsequent filling and use of the walk-in bathtub.