Adjustable Foot Sensor Mounting for Variable Floor Levels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot sensors on sanitary ware are fixed in position and cannot adjust to varying floor levels, leading to inaccurate detection due to direct reflection from the floor or excessive distance, causing continuous actuator triggering or failure to trigger.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable mounting structure for foot sensors using an adapter sleeve and snap ring mechanism that allows for height adjustment and secure fixation, enabling precise positioning of the sensor relative to the floor level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the foot sensor is mounted at a fixed position, then the installation is simple and fast, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when the finished floor level does not match the sensor position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an adjustable mounting structure that allows the foot sensor to be positioned at different heights along the vertical axis. The sensor can be moved between multiple predetermined positions or continuously adjusted, transforming the fixed mounting into a dynamic, adaptable configuration. This enables the sensor to be optimally positioned relative to the finished floor level, maintaining detection accuracy while preserving installation simplicity through the use of an adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of stationary object

If the foot sensor is mounted too high, then the mounting position is higher relative to the floor, but the laser blind area increases and detection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting heightVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows adjustment of the mounting height parameter to optimize detection performance. By changing the vertical position parameter of the foot sensor, the system can adapt to different finished floor levels and avoid the laser blind area problem. The adjustment mechanism enables precise control of the mounting height, ensuring the sensor is positioned at the optimal distance from the floor for reliable detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If the foot sensor is mounted too low, then the sensor position is lower relative to the floor, but direct reflection from the floor causes continuous triggering and detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting heightVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables adjustment of the mounting height parameter to eliminate direct floor reflection interference. By raising the sensor to an appropriate height, the laser beam clears the finished floor level and avoids receiving direct reflections that would cause false continuous triggering. The adjustment mechanism provides the necessary flexibility to position the sensor at the correct height for accurate foot detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If the foot sensor position is adjusted to accommodate different floor levels, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the foot sensor to be repositioned vertically. This could involve an adjustable mount with multiple height positions, a telescopic structure, or a movable bracket system. The adjustment mechanism adds some complexity but maintains ease of installation through modular design, enabling the sensor to adapt to different finished floor levels while preserving operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is divided into separable components that can be independently adjusted and assembled. The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete elements (such as adjustable brackets, positionable mounts, or modular sections) that can be configured for different heights. This segmentation allows for flexible adaptation to various floor levels while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4570999B1Adjustable structure of a foot sensor sensing distance
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP4570999B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4570999B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4570999B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustable structure for mounting a foot detection sensor, comprising a mounting frame having a cylinder portion, into which cylinder portion fits an adapter sleeve, wherein a wall of the cylinder portion has at least one radially inwardly deflectable claw; the adapter sleeve being adapted to at least partially extend into the cylinder portion, wherein the adapter sleeve comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves disposed in the axial direction; and a snap ring being provided and adapted to be fitted on the outer side of the cylinder portion, wherein the snap ring has a first snap-in portion and a second snap-in portion for each of the claws.