Fixture Outlet Box Assembly for Leak-Safe Rough-In Plumbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and water heaters, often requires cumbersome methods involving stub-outs and stop valves, which can lead to leaks and increased installation time due to the need for post-installation valve attachment.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fixture outlet box assembly that includes a base with a through-hole, a connector with internal threads, and an adapter with external threads and a longitudinally-extending slot for radial compression, allowing for direct attachment of tubing or fittings during rough-in plumbing, ensuring pretested supply stops and reducing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional stub-out methods are used with post-installation valve attachment, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases and leak risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet box is pre-assembled with the stop valve and piping system before installation. The valve is attached to the stub-out during manufacturing, and the entire assembly is pressure-tested beforehand. During installation, the pre-assembled unit is simply inserted into the wall opening and connected to the piping, eliminating post-installation valve attachment and pressure testing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple components (outlet box, stop valve, piping system, and support bracket) into a single pre-assembled unit. This integration allows the valve and piping to be installed simultaneously with the outlet box, rather than as separate post-installation steps, thereby reducing installation time and potential leak points.
2Productivity
If pre-assembled outlet boxes are used, then installation time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet box assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the outlet box housing, the stop valve assembly, the piping system, and the support bracket. Each component is manufactured separately and then pre-assembled into a complete unit. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each part while providing a simplified installation process where the entire assembly is installed as one unit.
3Ease of operation
If traditional rough-in methods with brackets and stub-outs are used, then adaptability to different wall configurations is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet box assembly is designed as a universal unit that can be adapted to various wall configurations. The support bracket includes adjustment features allowing it to be mounted at different positions and angles. The outlet box housing can accommodate different valve types and piping configurations, making the same basic assembly suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications across different wall materials and thicknesses.
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 streamlines the installation process by allowing for secure attachment of plumbing components during initial installation, reducing the risk of leaks and shortening the overall installation time while ensuring a pretested piping system.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric insert is configured to absorb vibrations and provide acoustic isolation to and from the one of the tubing or the fitting
Implementation Method 2
The adapter defines at least one longitudinal slot configured to allow the adapter to radially compress when the adapter is attached to the connector
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.