Fixture Outlet Box Assembly for Pretested Stop Valve Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing installation methods require cutting the pipe after installation to attach a stop valve, which can lead to leaks and increased installation time.
Innovation Solution
An outlet box assembly with a base, connection assembly, and optional elastomeric insert that allows for pre-attached stop valves during rough-in plumbing, ensuring leak-free installation and reducing installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stub-out method is used with pipe cutting after installation, then pipe installation can be completed, but leak risk increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet box assembly is pre-assembled with the stop valve already attached and pressure-tested before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-installation pipe cutting and valve attachment, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring leak-free performance through pre-testing.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional stub-out method is used, then pipe installation can be completed, but the process complexity increases due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet box assembly merges multiple components (outlet box, adapter, stop valve, and connection elements) into a single pre-assembled unit. This consolidation reduces the number of installation steps from multiple separate operations to a single installation action, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If pre-tested stop valve is integrated during rough-in, then installation efficiency improves, but the outlet box design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop valve is pre-attached and pressure-tested during the manufacturing phase rather than during installation. This preliminary action transfers the complexity of valve integration and testing to the manufacturing process, allowing for standardized production while enabling installers to simply install the complete assembly, thereby improving installation efficiency without burdening the design with installation-stage complexity.
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
Facilitates leak-free installation of plumbing fixtures by integrating a pretested stop valve, enhancing installation efficiency and quality.
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 elastomeric insert is configured to absorb vibrations and provide acoustic isolation to and from the one of the tubing or the fitting
Implementation Method 3
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.