Adjustable Device Insert for Floor Covering Thickness Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device inserts for installation devices with covers have fixed recesses that limit flexibility in accommodating various floor covering thicknesses, requiring additional filling pieces for intermediate sizes and resulting in minimum installation depths that are not optimal for all floor types.

Innovation Solution

A device insert with a detachable base plate and frame, where spacers can be adjusted to accommodate different floor covering thicknesses, allowing the same cover to be used for various thicknesses and reducing the minimum installation height by providing additional space for cable and installation devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed recess depth is used in the cover, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different floor covering thicknesses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different floor covering thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The recess depth adjustment is achieved by segmenting the base plate into multiple positionable configurations using detachable fastening elements. This allows the base plate to be positioned at different depths relative to the frame, enabling adaptation to various floor covering thicknesses while keeping the cover structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned to different depths by detaching and reattaching the fastening elements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same cover to accommodate different floor covering thicknesses without requiring multiple custom-manufactured covers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional filling pieces are used for intermediate sizes, then the adaptability to different floor covering thicknesses is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to intermediate floor covering thicknessesVSAvoidnumber of additional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable fastening elements serve multiple functions: they secure the base plate to the frame, enable depth adjustment of the base plate, and allow adaptation to various floor covering thicknesses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filling pieces, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening elements are designed to be detachable and repositionable by the user without requiring additional tools or components. The base plate system is self-adjusting, allowing users to modify the recess depth themselves by simply repositioning the fastening elements, eliminating the need for separate filling pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed minimum installation depth is required, then the structural stability is ensured, but the ease of installation in various floor types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of installation in various floor types
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate depth is made dynamically adjustable to match different floor covering thicknesses. By repositioning the detachable fastening elements, the base plate can be set at the optimal depth for each installation scenario, ensuring structural stability is maintained while adapting to various floor types and thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The installation depth parameter can be changed by adjusting the base plate position relative to the frame. The detachable fastening elements enable this parameter change without compromising structural stability, as the fastening elements provide secure attachment at each positioned depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2369706B1Device insert for installation devices
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 OBO BETTERMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2369706B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2369706B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP2369706B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

The insert has a cover (16) with a circulating frame (30) for receiving a bottom covering portion. A base plate (20) of the cover is detachably inserted into the frame whose through-opening is closed by the base plate. Spacer disks (40, 46), disk-shaped protrusions and spacer strips are detachably arranged between the frame and the base plate. One of the spacer disks is integrally formed at the frame. The frame exhibits an L-shape in cross-section. A cable outlet flap (22) is inserted into a recess (31) in the frame. The frame is designed as a plastic injection molding part.