Dual-Locking Connecting Element for Multiple Profile Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting devices for sanitary ware are limited in flexibility and require separate elements for different profile types, leading to increased storage needs and installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element with two distinct locking structures, designed for different profile elements, allowing a single element to be used in various installations and simplifying storage by accommodating multiple profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate connecting elements are used for different profile types, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element incorporates two differently designed locking structures (first locking structure with first locking elements and second locking structure with second locking elements) that enable the same component to connect to different profile types (first profile elements and second profile elements), making a single element universal for multiple connection purposes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is divided into distinct functional sections: a support section, a connecting section, a first locking structure, and a second locking structure. Each section performs a specific function, allowing the element to interface with different profile types while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connecting elements for different profiles are stored, then adaptability is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to profile typesVSAvoidnumber of connecting elements to store
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single connecting element design incorporates both a first locking structure for first profile elements and a second locking structure for second profile elements, allowing one component to replace multiple specialized components and reduce storage needs

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If differently designed locking structures are integrated into one element, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of connecting elementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different locking structures into a single integrated connecting element, merging multiple functions into one component. This allows the element to connect to different profile types while streamlining manufacturing by producing one unified part rather than multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4600509A1Connecting element
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP4600509A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4600509A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4600509A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A connecting element (1) comprises a support section (2) with an upper side (3) and a lower side (4), a connecting section (5) which is integrally formed on the upper side (3) of the support section (2), and a first locking structure (6) and a second locking structure (7) which are integrally formed on the lower side (4) of the support section (2), wherein the connecting section (5) is designed for fastening a mounting element (8) to the connecting element (1), and wherein the first locking structure (6) is designed differently than the second locking structure (7) in such a way that the first locking structure (6) is designed for connection to a first profile element (P1) and the second locking structure (7) is designed for connection to a second profile element (P2).