Adjustable Fixture Support Carrier for Plumbing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Off-the-floor plumbing fixtures require adjustments to comply with ADA standards, necessitating reinstallation and damage to finished walls, as existing carriers lack the ability to adjust horizontally without relocating the anchor legs.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable fixture support carrier using interchangeable studs and plastic nipples with angled sections allows for left or right adjustments without moving the anchor legs, enabling precise positioning of fixtures post-installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fixture support carrier is installed and then adjustment is needed to comply with ADA standards, then the toilet must be removed and the carrier re-installed at a different location, but this causes damage to finished walls and increases installation time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fixture positionVSAvoidease of installation and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture support carrier is segmented into multiple adjustable positions along the wall, allowing the toilet to be repositioned horizontally without removing the entire carrier assembly. The carrier includes multiple mounting points and adjustable components that enable independent position changes while keeping the anchor legs fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow horizontal repositioning of the toilet after installation. The system transitions from a fixed position design to a dynamically adjustable one, enabling compliance with ADA standards without demolition work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fixture support carrier is designed to be adjustable horizontally, then ADA compliance can be achieved without tearing open walls, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal adjustabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of carrier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is designed with multi-functionality to perform both anchoring and horizontal adjustment functions. The same carrier structure provides fixed support while enabling position changes, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable components are nested within the carrier structure, with movable elements integrated into the fixed framework. This nesting approach allows adjustment functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing external dimensions or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8887319B2Adjustable fixture support carrier for off-the-floor plumbing fixtures

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 MI FAB MFG LLC

AI summary

A fixture support carrier, for mounting a plumbing fixture above the floor, that can be adjusted in either direction by means of interchangeable studs and plastic nipples.