Adjustable Modular Arm for Plumbing Fixture Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixture carriers for plumbing fixtures are limited by their fixed size configurations, requiring multiple carriers for different fixture sizes, which complicates installation and increases labor and costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular fixture carrier system with adjustable arms that can be configured in various positions to accommodate fixtures of different sizes, featuring a base and extension mechanism that can be retracted, extended, or positioned between these states, allowing for secure support of diverse plumbing fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size arm is used in the fixture carrier, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate plumbing fixtures of different sizes, requiring multiple different fixture carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into multiple segments including a base portion, an intermediate portion, and an extension portion that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each part to be adjusted separately to accommodate different fixture sizes while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm transitions from a static fixed-size structure to a dynamic adjustable structure where the extension portion can move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability enables the same arm to adapt to various fixture dimensions without requiring multiple different carriers.
2Reliability
If multiple different fixture carriers are used for different fixture sizes, then each carrier is optimized for its specific size, but the overall system complexity increases and labor costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture carrier is designed with universal adaptability through the adjustable arm that can accommodate multiple fixture sizes. The base portion, intermediate portion, and extension portion work together to provide secure support for various plumbing fixture dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion can be positioned within the intermediate portion, and the intermediate portion within the base portion, creating a nested configuration when not in use. This nesting capability allows the arm to compactly store multiple position configurations within a single carrier structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable arm with multiple positions is implemented, then versatility to support different fixture sizes is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the arm into standardized segments with repeating features simplifies manufacturing compared to creating entirely custom adjustable mechanisms. Each segment can be manufactured independently using similar processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the adjustable functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixture carrier for supporting a plumbing fixture includes an upright and an arm. The arm is coupled to the upright and is configured to support the plumbing fixture. The arm includes a base, and an extension configured to move relative to the base. The arm is configurable in a first position where at least a portion of the base is retracted into the extension, a second position where the extension is extended away from the base, and a plurality of positions between the first position and the second position.