Storage device, more particularly bath- and/or shower storage device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bathroom and shower storage devices lack user-friendly integration of electronic units, such as lighting and consumer electronics, and do not provide convenient access for maintenance or secure protection against moisture and dust.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with integrated electronic units, such as lighting and consumer electronics, that are partially or fully housed within a storage element, allowing for easy access and secure sealing, along with a fastening system that facilitates simultaneous mounting on a wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic units are integrated into the storage device, then user comfort and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the storage device with electronic units (lighting, consumer electronics) into a single integrated system. The receiving recess allows the electronic unit to be housed within the storage device structure, merging multiple functions into one device while maintaining a unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides storage space, houses electronic units, offers protection against moisture and dust, and enables easy maintenance access. This multi-functionality approach allows one device to replace several separate components.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electronic unit is sealed within the storage device, then protection against moisture and dust is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against moisture and dustVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into separate functional areas: a sealed receiving recess for housing the electronic unit and a removable inspection element for maintenance access. This segmentation allows the device to maintain protection while enabling easy access to the electronic unit when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection element is designed to be removable and movable, transforming the sealed structure from a static closed form to a dynamic system that can open for maintenance and close for protection. This allows the same structure to serve both protection and accessibility requirements at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the inspection element is made removable and movable, then ease of maintenance is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the inspection element and the receiving recess. This dedicated sealing component ensures that when the inspection element is removed or moved, the sealing integrity of the receiving recess is maintained, preventing moisture and dust ingress while allowing easy access during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3687355B1Storage device, more particularly bath- and/or shower storage device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 KNOLL JUN ALEXANDER
  • EP3687355B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3687355B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3687355B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage device, in particular a bath and/or shower storage device, includes at least one storage element, at least one fastening unit for fastening the storage element on a wall, in particular a tiled room wall, at least one electronics unit at least partially arranged on the storage element, in particular an illumination unit and/or an entertainment electronics unit, and at least one inspection unit, which comprises at least one inspection element removably and/or movably mounted on a main body element of the fastening unit and/or on the storage element.