Adjustable Recessed Hydraulic Box for Masonry and Plasterboard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessable boxes for housing hydraulic components in walls require different versions for solid and plasterboard walls, leading to increased production and storage costs, as well as inconvenience for users who need to manage different configurations.

Innovation Solution

A universal recessable box with a frontally open body and adjustable frame that can be secured to the body in two positions, allowing for precise adjustment of the distance between the frame and the body using a screw system, enabling the box to be flush with the wall or protruding, thus accommodating both masonry and plasterboard applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different versions of boxes are manufactured for solid walls and plasterboard walls, then the box can be perfectly adapted to each specific wall type, but production and storage costs increase and user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wall typesVSAvoidnumber of different box versions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The box is designed with a universal structure that can function in both solid wall and plasterboard wall applications. The closing element can be positioned in two different configurations: protruding from the wall for solid walls, or flush with the wall for plasterboard walls. This single universal design replaces the need for separate specialized versions for each wall type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The closing element is made adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. It can be positioned in multiple states (protruding or flush) depending on the wall type, allowing the same box structure to dynamically adapt to different installation requirements without requiring multiple static designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-distance frame is used between the body and closing element, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the box cannot accommodate different wall types (solid or plasterboard)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different wall typesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of adjustable mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The distance parameter between the body and closing element is made variable rather than fixed. By incorporating adjustment means that allow the closing element to be positioned at different distances from the body, the same box can accommodate both plasterboard walls (flush mounting) and solid walls (protruding mounting) without requiring different manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the closing element is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler and more reliable, but it cannot provide seamless integration with both masonry and plasterboard walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless integration with wall typesVSAvoidadjustable frame mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element transitions from a fixed position to an adjustable position, enabling it to adapt to different wall types. The adjustment mechanism allows the closing element to be positioned either flush with the wall surface for plasterboard or protruding for masonry, providing seamless integration in both scenarios while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 adjustable design allows for a single box type to be used in both applications, reducing production and storage costs and enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for multiple versions, while ensuring a seamless integration with various wall types.

Implementation Method 1

the adjustment means comprise a screw system. According to a preferred embodiment, the screw system comprises a number of screws axially attachable to the frame and engaging respective threaded holes in the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the box comprises a plate insertable into a seat inside the frame, and preferably locked in the frame by magnetic means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3929363A1Recessable box for housing hydraulic components
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 R B M SPA
  • EP3929363A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3929363A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3929363A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Recessable box for housing hydraulic components, comprising a frontally open box body (2) and configured to be housed and fixed in a compartment (35; 42) provided in a wall (36), and a frame (5) with a support face (9) and configured to be mounted on the body (2) in a first and a second position, wherein the support face (9) is facing the body (2) and, respectively, opposite the body (2); the box comprising adjustment means (15, 13, 24) for varying the distance between the frame (5) and the body (2).