Fixing Device for Fluid Pipe Couplings in Hollow Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing fluid transport pipe couplings on partitions are laborious, require simultaneous operation from both sides, weaken the partition, and do not effectively reinforce the hole passage, especially in double partitions.

Innovation Solution

A device with a recessed support and guide rail system that allows easy one-sided mounting, featuring internal support jaws that slide along guide rails to bear against both the front and rear faces of the partition, providing reinforcement and adjustable positioning for varying partition thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a through hole is made in the partition to pass the pipe, then the pipe can be installed through the partition, but the partition is considerably weakened and the hole is never filled or reinforced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidpartition strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device embeds a support core with guide rails inside the partition hole, creating a nested structure where the core is recessed into the hole and the guide rails extend from the core. This nesting approach reinforces the hole area while allowing the pipe to pass through, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and partition strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device divides the support structure into multiple functional segments: an external positioning means bearing against the front face, an internal support means bearing against the rear face, and a core connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively reinforcing the partition and enabling easy installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a support plate is used on the front of the partition to fix the connection, then the fixing is easily applicable to double partitions, but a hole of sufficient diameter must be produced which weakens the partition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fixingVSAvoidpartition strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a large support plate requiring a large hole, the invention nests a compact support core with guide rails inside the partition hole. The core is recessed into the hole and provides support functionality without requiring a large diameter opening, thus maintaining partition strength while enabling easy fixing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional support plate approach to a three-dimensional nested structure with guide rails extending from the core. This dimensional change allows the support functionality to be achieved with a smaller hole diameter by utilizing the depth dimension of the partition hole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If intermediate supports are used to fix the connection flush with the outside of the partition, then the connection can be properly fixed, but the process becomes laborious requiring embedding of a box in masonry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rails with pre-guide portions enable the internal support means to self-align and slide into the correct position automatically during installation. The pre-guide portions guide the support means into proper alignment without requiring complex embedding procedures or intermediate supports, thus achieving positioning precision with simpler installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The internal support means are designed to slide along the guide rails from a retracted position to an extended position, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This sliding mechanism allows the support means to adapt to partition thickness variations and achieve proper positioning without requiring complex static support structures or laborious embedding procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the internal support means are kept extended during embedding, then they can bear against the rear face of the partition, but they hinder the embedding of the built-in support in the partition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport bearing capabilityVSAvoidease of embedding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The internal support means are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to slide along the guide rails between a retracted position (during embedding) and an extended position (after embedding). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by enabling the support means to provide bearing capability when needed while not interfering with the embedding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails with pre-guide portions are prepared in advance to guide the internal support means into the correct position after embedding. The support means are initially kept retracted during embedding, and then moved to the extended position afterward, allowing the preliminary embedding action to be completed without interference before the support bearing capability is activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2431641B1Fixing device of a connection piece of a fluid carrying pipe to a hollow wall
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 SOMATHERM SA
  • EP2431641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2431641B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2431641B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device (10) has an external flange (30) for positioning a built-in support (20) relative to a wall and bearing on a front face of the wall. An internal support unit formed of jaws (60) bears on a rear face of the wall, and is slid along guiding rails (42a, 42b). A movement unit formed of screws (50) moves the unit along the rails. The support unit is passed from a retracted position to a deployed position by sliding along the rails. The support unit hinders embedding of the support in the wall in the retracted position and bears against a rear face of the wall in the deployed position.