Adapter Insert for Sanitary Frame Bars

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Incorporating bars with different cross sections into modular systems for sanitary appliances is complex, requiring intricate mechanical connections.

Innovation Solution

An adapter insert with a C-shaped cross section, made of plastic or polymer material, that fits into one type of bar and includes a coupling device to securely connect it with another type of bar, allowing for simple and efficient adaptation by engaging slots and holes, and featuring flexible walls and reinforcement ribs for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanical connections are used to incorporate bars of different types into modular systems, then the bars can be connected, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to incorporate different bar typesVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter insert acts as an intermediary component that connects two different types of bars. It has a first portion that fits into the first bar and a second portion that engages with the coupling device of the second bar, thereby mediating the connection between incompatible bar types without requiring complex direct mechanical connections between them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into separate functional components: the adapter insert (with its first and second portions) and the coupling device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall connection mechanism by dividing the adaptation function into manageable parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connection methods are used for different bar types, then connections can be made, but the installation time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility between bar typesVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter insert is pre-configured with specific geometric features (C-shaped cross section, recesses, protrusions) that are designed to automatically align and engage with corresponding features on the bars and coupling devices. This preliminary design of the engagement geometry enables quick connection without requiring complex adjustment or alignment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter insert serves as a pre-fabricated intermediary component that eliminates the need for custom fabrication or complex field assembly when connecting different bar types. By having the adaptation functionality pre-built into the insert, installation becomes a simple matter of inserting and engaging components rather than assembling complex mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2933506B1Adapter insert for bars of a support frame of sanitary appliances
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 VALSIR
  • EP2933506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2933506B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2933506B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An adapter insert (1) for bars of a support frame of sanitary appliances, in particular for connecting a first bar (2a) to a second bar (2b) having a different cross section, consists of a monolithic body (100a, 100b) extending along an axis (C) and comprises at least one portion having a substantially C-shaped cross section about the axis (C) and shaped so as to be insertable in a cavity (81) of a first bar (2a); the adapter insert (1) has a pair of opposite lateral walls (102), substantially facing each other, and a bottom wall (103) connecting the lateral walls (102), the lateral walls (102) being flexible with respect to each other and to the bottom wall (103), being capable of bending both approaching each other, and moving away from each other.