Adjustable Coupling Apparatus for Shower Panel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower enclosure systems face challenges in achieving precise vertical alignment of glass panels due to difficulties in drilling accurate holes in masonry walls, and require dedicated mounting members for panel replacement, leading to unused holes and potential moisture issues.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable coupling apparatus featuring a channel-shaped mounting member with elongated main and secondary slots, allowing for longitudinal and transverse adjustment of fasteners to secure the panel, thereby accommodating inaccuracies in hole placement and enabling easy panel replacement without drilling new holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mounting members with fixed hole positions are used, then the mounting process is simple, but precise vertical alignment of glass panels cannot be achieved due to difficulty in drilling accurate holes in masonry walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical alignment precisionVSAvoidhole drilling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member incorporates adjustable components that allow the position of fastening holes to be moved along the length of the mounting member. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise vertical alignment of glass panels without requiring perfectly accurate pre-drilled holes in the masonry wall, as the holes can be repositioned to match the actual drilled locations within the adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fixed parameter of hole position to a variable parameter that can be adjusted within a certain range. The mounting member includes mechanisms such as threaded rods or sliding components that allow the fastening holes to be repositioned vertically, transforming the rigid fixed-position mounting into a flexible adjustable-position mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dedicated mounting members are used for panel replacement, then each panel can be securely mounted, but new holes must be drilled in the structural wall leaving existing holes unused and vulnerable to moisture leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel securement reliabilityVSAvoidmoisture ingress risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member is designed with universal adjustability along its length, allowing it to accommodate fastening at multiple different positions. When replacing a panel, the mounting member can be repositioned so that its fastening holes align with existing holes in the wall, enabling the same mounting member to serve both original and replacement panels without requiring new holes to be drilled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member is designed in advance with extended adjustable range and multiple alignment features, preparing it for potential repositioning needs during panel replacement. The adjustable mechanism is pre-configured to allow realignment with existing wall holes, eliminating the need for new drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-adjustable mounting members are used, then the structure is simpler, but the mounting member cannot accommodate inaccuracies in hole placement or enable easy panel replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for alignment and replacementVSAvoidmounting member structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member is divided into functional segments including adjustable components, fixed components, and connection elements. The adjustable portion can move independently along the mounting member length, allowing position changes without affecting the overall structural integrity or requiring complete redesign of the entire mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3982802B1An adjustable coupling apparatus and a method for coupling a screen or a panel to a structure

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 MERLYN IND

Figure 1~13
Figure 2~15
Figure 3~5

AI summary

Adjustable coupling apparatus (10) for securing a panel (7) to a masonry wall (3) of a shower enclosure comprises an elongated mounting member (12) having an elongated channel (18) for receiving the panel (7). A plurality of fastener accommodating elements (22) corresponding to elongated spaced apart longitudinally extending main slots (20) accommodate corresponding screws (14) into pre-drilled corresponding fastener receiving holes (25) in the wall (3). A secondary slot (24) extends transversely through each fastener accommodating element (22) for accommodating the screw (14). To secure the mounting member (12) to the wall (3), the secondary slots (24) of the fastener accommodating elements (22) are aligned with the respective fastener receiving holes (25). The mounting member (12) is then lightly secured to the wall (3) by the screws (14) just sufficiently to allow further final adjustment of the fastener accommodating elements (22) in the respective main slots (20), and to permit transverse movement of the mounting member (12) in order to align the mounting member (12) vertically. The screws (14) are then tightened in the respective fastener receiving holes (25) for in turn clamping the mounting member (12) between the fastener accommodating elements (22) and the wall (3).