Bathing Enclosure Pivot-Joint Assembly for Watertight Wall Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knockdown plumbing enclosures, such as bathtubs and shower enclosures, face challenges with assembly complexity, tool requirements, and ensuring watertight seals, particularly when large and needing to fit through standard doorways or elevators, and are prone to calcium deposition issues during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling a plumbing fixture enclosure using a base with an upper rim, where side walls are pivotably connected to the rear wall via a pivot joint, creating a watertight seal without external clamps or tools, and featuring a serpentine recess and projection seam for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for easy shipment and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If enclosures are manufactured in multiple pieces for easy shipping, then shipping and installation become easier, but assembly complexity increases requiring separate clamps, bolts, screws and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the joining function into the wall panels themselves by molding interlocking portions (tongues and grooves) directly into the panel edges. This eliminates the need for separate clamps, bolts, or screws, as the panels self-connect through their integrated interlocking features when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking portions are designed to self-align and self-connect during assembly. The tongue-and-groove geometry automatically guides proper positioning and engagement of panels without requiring external fasteners or complex alignment procedures, making the assembly process self-servicing.
2Strength
If tongues and grooves are used for interlocking walls, then firm engagement is achieved, but disassembly becomes difficult due to calcium deposition and sediment accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camming action mechanism that transforms the static interlocking joint into a dynamic assembly/disassembly system. By applying leverage through the camming motion, panels can be easily separated despite the firm engagement during use, allowing for maintenance and repair without damaging the interlocking portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary alignment features that guide panels into proper positioning before final engagement. This preliminary action prevents misalignment and reduces the risk of sediment accumulation in critical areas, facilitating easier future disassembly and reassembly.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to connect walls to flange, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time increases and alignment becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate components (clamps, bolts, screws) and integrates it directly into the wall panels through molded interlocking portions. This eliminates the need for multiple discrete fasteners, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking portions act as intermediary elements that directly connect walls to the flange without requiring external fasteners. The tongue-and-groove geometry provides the mediating mechanism for secure attachment, simplifying the assembly process by eliminating intermediate fastening steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a bathing enclosure includes providing a base on a support, the base having an upper rim. The method includes providing a first wall on the upper rim of the base, providing a second wall in pivotable engagement with the first wall at upper portions thereof, and pivoting the second wall relative to the first wall to mount the second wall on the upper rim of the base.