Fixture Outlet Box Assembly for Vibration-Isolated Tubing Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outlet box assemblies in the plumbing industry face challenges in efficiently and securely mounting tubing and fittings to plumbing fixtures, particularly in terms of vibration absorption and acoustic isolation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed outlet box assembly includes a base with a through-hole and a connection assembly comprising a connector and an adapter. The connector features internal threads, while the adapter has external threads and a longitudinally-extending through-hole for receiving tubing or fittings. Additionally, an elastomeric insert with ribs is used to absorb vibrations and provide acoustic isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional stub-out methods are used with pipes extending through walls, then plumbing fixtures can be installed, but vibration and noise are not effectively absorbed or isolated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastomeric insert as an intermediary component between the rigid adapter and the base. This elastomeric material serves as a mediator that absorbs vibrations and provides acoustic isolation while still enabling secure mechanical mounting of the adapter to the base through friction and geometric interlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining rigid materials (adapter, connector, base) with elastomeric material (insert). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve rigid structural support for secure mounting and elastomeric properties for vibration absorption and noise isolation
2Productivity
If complex mounting procedures are used to secure tubing and fittings, then reliable installation is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric insert is pre-positioned within the base before the adapter is installed. This preliminary action prepares the mounting location in advance, so that when the adapter is inserted and secured, it automatically engages with the pre-positioned elastomeric material, eliminating the need for complex post-installation securing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter secures itself to the base through its interaction with the elastomeric insert. The elastomeric material deforms under the adapter's weight and engagement forces, creating friction and geometric interlocking that automatically secures the adapter without requiring additional fasteners, welds, or complex assembly steps
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
This solution enhances the ease and quality of plumbing installations by securely attaching tubing and fittings, reducing installation time, and effectively absorbing vibrations and noise, thereby improving overall system performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric insert is configured to absorb vibrations
Implementation Method 2
provide acoustic isolation to and from the one of the tubing or the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet box assembly includes a base and a connection assembly. The base defines a base through-hole. The connection assembly is configured to attach to the base through the base through-hole and includes a connector and an adapter. The connector includes a connector body. The connector body includes an inner surface that defines a passage with one or more internal threads positioned along the inner surface. The adapter includes one or more external threads configured to engage with the one or internal threads of the connector body. The adapter defines a longitudinally-extending adapter through-hole configured to receive one of a fitting or a tubing. The adapter further defines at least one longitudinal slot configured to allow the adapter to radially compress when the adapter is attached to the connector.