Adjustable Pendulum Fitting for Shower Enclosure Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pendulum fittings for shower enclosures are large and complex, requiring precise alignment of components and lacking in adjustability, which complicates assembly and tolerance compensation, leading to potential wear and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact pendulum fitting design with adjustable and damping stop elements, allowing for flexible assembly and tolerance compensation, featuring two hinged fitting halves with parallel pivot axes and a locking device for secure operation, and a lifting mechanism for axial movement, enabling smooth and quiet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional lifting devices are used in pendulum fittings, then axial lifting movement is achieved, but the fitting becomes large in the transverse direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting function with the stop mechanism by integrating the stop element into the lifting device structure. The stop element is formed as part of the lifting device housing, eliminating the need for separate lifting and stopping components, thus reducing the overall transverse size while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to perform multiple functions: providing axial lifting movement during door opening, supporting the door in intermediate positions, and acting as a stop mechanism when the door reaches the closed position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed stop positions are used in fittings, then structural simplicity is maintained, but tolerance compensation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is designed with adjustable positioning capability along the lifting device axis. This dynamic adjustability allows the stop position to be modified during assembly to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, while the adjustment mechanism itself is integrated into the existing lifting device structure rather than adding separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the positional parameter of the stop element along the lifting direction. By allowing the stop position to be varied within a certain range, the system can adapt to different tolerance conditions without requiring complete redesign of the fitting structure
3Reliability
If damping stop elements are added to reduce wear and noise, then operational smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is designed with a localized damping surface or damping material applied only at the contact area where stopping occurs. This provides the necessary wear reduction and noise damping properties only where needed, rather than requiring damping features throughout the entire fitting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element incorporates damping material or is designed as a composite structure combining rigid support functions with damping characteristics. This allows the same component to provide both mechanical support and vibration/damping functions without requiring separate damping devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, easily assembled, and adjustable fitting that compensates for manufacturing tolerances, reduces wear and noise, and ensures even force distribution, enhancing the functionality and durability of the shower enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
The stop element (28) is designed to be damping and/or adjustable. This preferably dampens the impact of the fitting half or the coupling part against the stop, or prevents direct collisions between the fitting half and the coupling part.
Implementation Method 2
The fitting has a lifting device for superimposing an axial lifting movement when the partition or door pivots about one of the two pivot axes.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fitting and a shower enclosure equipped with it are proposed, wherein two fitting halves are coupled via a coupling part forming two joints with parallel pivot axes, and the fitting has a stop acting between one of the fitting halves and the coupling part, which is adjustable.