Concealed Cistern Snap-Fit Inspection Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealed cisterns in prior art require complex installations, maintenance, and repairs, often necessitating multiple tools and components, which complicates the process and increases time and effort.
Innovation Solution
A concealed cistern design featuring a form-fit fastening mechanism with flexible elements that allow non-destructive engagement and release, simplifying installation, maintenance, and repair by using a snap-in or hooked fastener system between the inspection shaft and holding frame, enabling quicker and more straightforward servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw connections are used to fasten the inspection shaft to the mounting frame, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation and maintenance process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit plastic locking system. The locking element features a resilient arm that deflects during insertion and snaps into a locked position, eliminating the need for screws, bolts, and threading operations. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically simplifying the fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the fastening material from rigid metal screws to flexible resilient plastic. The locking element is made of a material that can elastically deflect under load, allowing it to be inserted and locked without tools. This parameter change enables tool-free installation while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening components and tools are used for installation and maintenance, then the connection can be secured reliably, but the time and effort required for installation, maintenance, and repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary fastening components from the system. Instead of using multiple screws, washers, and locking mechanisms, the design employs a single integrated snap-fit locking element that performs all fastening functions. This extraction of excess components directly reduces installation time and simplifies the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be self-installing through a snap-fit mechanism that automatically secures itself without external tools or assistance. The resilient arm deflects during insertion and self-locks into place, providing automatic fastening that eliminates the need for manual screwing or tool-assisted installation, thereby reducing installation time significantly.
3Device complexity
If a simple fastening mechanism is used to reduce installation complexity, then installation becomes faster and easier, but the connection reliability and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element incorporates curved and rounded geometric features that enable the snap-fit mechanism to engage securely. The resilient arm has a curved cross-section that allows it to deflect elastically and lock into the mounting frame with a positive engagement. This geometric design ensures that despite the simplicity of the mechanism, the connection achieves high reliability through the mechanical interlock.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system combines different material properties within the locking element - using resilient plastic that exhibits both flexibility for easy insertion and sufficient strength for secure locking. This composite approach within a single component allows the simple snap-fit mechanism to achieve connection security comparable to or exceeding traditional multi-component metal fastening systems.
4Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the connection is secure, but the number of components that need to be connected increases, complicating the overall construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated locking element. The snap-fit mechanism combines the functions of alignment, attachment, and locking that would traditionally require separate components like positioning clips, screws, and locking washers. This consolidation reduces the number of components to be connected while maintaining secure attachment through the unified locking design.
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 reduces the complexity and time required for installation, maintenance, and repair by allowing flexible deflection to release the form-fit engagement, thus minimizing the need for multiple tools and components, resulting in a more efficient and simplified process.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient arm (108) can be deflected in the deflection direction (109)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a concealed cistern comprising a) an inspection opening, b) an inspection shaft, and c) a mounting frame; wherein the inspection shaft frames the inspection opening at least partially on an outer side of the concealed cistern; wherein the inspection shaft has a first element of a positive locking fastening means; wherein the mounting frame has a further element of the positive locking fastening means; wherein a. the further element is configured to engage positively with the first element, or b. the first element is configured to engage positively with the further element, or c. both.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method comprising connecting a concealed cistern body to an inspection shaft; a concealed cistern obtainable according to this method; a pre-wall installation system and a device, each comprising one of the aforementioned concealed cisterns; a method comprising installing one of the aforementioned concealed cisterns; the use of a positive locking fastening means for connecting an inspection shaft of a concealed cistern to a mounting frame; and the use of a positive locking fastening means for servicing or repairing, or both, a concealed cistern.