Floor-Mounted Pipe Connector With Resilient Retaining Fingers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of freestanding bathtubs is complicated due to the need for plumbing professionals to access and connect drain and water supply pipes under the floor, often requiring the removal of a finished ceiling and involving complex plumbing connections, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector system that includes a side wall with a floor flange and a guiding assembly with resilient retaining fingers, allowing for the secure connection of pipes without the need for glue, facilitating easier access and installation by allowing pipes to be connected through a hole in the floor, thus eliminating the need to cut the ceiling and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe connection methods using glue are used, then pipes can be securely connected, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires ceiling removal for access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical connection method (glue) with a mechanical connection system consisting of a pipe connector with clamping members that mechanically secure the pipes through a floor hole, eliminating the need for ceiling removal and complex access procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connector acts as an intermediary device installed in the floor hole that facilitates pipe connection and access without requiring removal of the finished ceiling, serving as a mediator between the pipes and the finished floor surface
2Ease of manufacture
If plumbing professionals access pipes under the finished floor, then proper connections can be made, but the finished ceiling must be removed increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connector is pre-installed in the floor hole during the construction phase before the finished ceiling is installed, allowing pipes to be accessed and connected through the floor without requiring later removal of the finished ceiling
3Ease of operation
If pipes are connected through floor access, then installation is simplified, but secure connection of pipes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are designed with resilient fingers that can dynamically adjust to secure the pipes firmly within the pipe connector, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining ease of installation through the floor hole
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
The pipe connector system simplifies the installation of freestanding bathtubs by allowing pipes to be connected through a floor hole, reducing installation complexity and costs by eliminating the need for ceiling removal and minimizing the risk of glue-related issues, while ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
Implementation Method 1
a guiding assembly secured to the side wall and comprising at least one resilient retaining finger for receiving the first pipe therebetween, the at least one resilient retaining finger being securable to the first pipe when the second pipe is engaged into the first pipe
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a pipe connector for connecting first and second pipes slidably engageable one into the other, the pipe connector comprising: a side wall extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis and defining an interior space, the side wall being adapted to be inserted into a floor hole made into a floor; a floor flange extending laterally and outwardly from the first end of the side wall, the floor flange being adapted to rest on a floor surface when the side wall is inserted into the floor hole; and a guiding assembly secured to the side wall and comprising at least one resilient retaining finger for receiving the first pipe therebetween, the at least one resilient retaining finger being securable to the first pipe when the second pipe is engaged into the first pipe.