BatheSafe Thermochromic Bath Mat
RSA Design Directions 2007 competition, in the 'Inclusive Worlds' category
Product
Bold graphical bath mat, which indicates at a glance the temperature of the bath water, alerting the user if it's too hot. Thermo-chromic dispersion inks by CHROMAZONE work by microcapsulets of chromogenic material, which are bonded together by a solvent. Due to electron interaction, visible colour occurs. When the compound reaches a set temperature, the solvent becomes fluid therefore the colour forming components seperate, and no visible colour occurs. The colour returns when the temperature drops below the desired temperature again.
Background
Scalding can occur at water temperatures above 45°C, and in many cases, household taps can deliver up to 70°C. This is the temperature that many domestic water heaters leave the factory. Children and older people are more susceptible to scalds due to their sensitive and thinner skin, and three quarters of those with severe scalds are children, and around 15 elderly DIE each year as a result. As the R&D presentation shows, there are many products on the market for parents to use for children, but none designed for adults or the elderly.
Relative Documentation and research
R&D Document (pdf)
RSA Design Boards (pdf)