Cut-to-Size Showerhead Mounting Pipe for Wall or Ceiling Use

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shower installation kits include two separate mounting pipes, one for ceiling-mounted and one for wall-mounted showerheads, leading to significant wastage and increased inventory management complexities.

Innovation Solution

A double-ended showerhead mounting pipe with a bend of at least 45°, allowing it to be cut to size for either wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted showerhead installations, reducing wastage and simplifying inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate mounting pipes are provided for ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted showerheads, then the shower installation can accommodate different mounting types, but significant wastage occurs and inventory management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different shower mounting typesVSAvoidwastage of mounting pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting pipe is designed with a bend of at least 45° between its ends, allowing it to function as either a ceiling-mounted showerhead mounting pipe or a wall-mounted showerhead mounting pipe. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting pipes for different mounting types, thereby reducing wastage and simplifying inventory management while maintaining adaptability to various shower installation configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate mounting pipes are provided for ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted showerheads, then the shower installation can accommodate different mounting types, but inventory management complexities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different shower mounting typesVSAvoidinventory management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting pipe is designed with a bend of at least 45° between its ends, allowing it to function as either a ceiling-mounted showerhead mounting pipe or a wall-mounted showerhead mounting pipe. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting pipes for different mounting types, thereby reducing wastage and simplifying inventory management while maintaining adaptability to various shower installation configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If a double-ended mounting pipe with bend is used for either wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted showerheads, then wastage is reduced and inventory is simplified, but the pipe must be cut to size which may increase installer workload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewastage of mounting pipesVSAvoidinstaller workload time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting pipe is supplied with a bend of at least 45° between its ends in a standardized configuration, allowing installers to cut the pipe to the required length for either wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted showerheads. This preliminary preparation of the pipe with the appropriate bend angle eliminates the need for separate pre-bent pipes for different mounting types, reducing wastage and simplifying inventory while the cutting operation remains a straightforward task for installers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12312781B2Showerhead mounting

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 KOHLER MIRA LTD

AI summary

A showerhead mounting pipe is provide for mounting a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted showerhead. The pipe has two ends, and a bend of at least 45° between the ends. Each end of the pipe comprises a connector for a showerhead. The pipe is arranged to be cut at a selected location between the two ends so as to provide a suitable portion for use to mount a showerhead.