Flush Bath Fitting Mounting with Flange Support and No Rear Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bath and shower fittings that protrude from the wall create obstacles for user comfort and safety, are aesthetically unpleasing, and limit customization options, as existing solutions like recessed mounting are specific to spa baths and require uniform fitting configurations.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus with a wall-contacting flange and engagement means allows bath or shower fittings to be securely mounted flush against the wall, using a support flange and nut system that can accommodate various fittings and angles, enabling secure and aesthetically pleasing installation without rear access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fittings protrude from the wall for easy mounting, then mounting simplicity is improved, but user safety and comfort deteriorate due to obstacles and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into multiple functional segments: a wall-contacting flange for mounting, a dependent support portion for fitting engagement, and a recessed profile that segments the wall surface into flush and protruding zones. This segmentation allows the fitting to be mounted securely while maintaining a safe, flush profile against the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus transitions from a traditional protruding profile to a recessed profile by utilizing the wall thickness dimension. The flange contacts the rear wall surface while the support portion extends forward, effectively using the depth dimension to achieve flush mounting without requiring the fitting to protrude beyond the wall face.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wall is moulded with recesses for flush mounting, then user safety and comfort are improved, but design flexibility and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides a universal mounting interface for various fitting types (spa jets, suction fittings, air buttons), enables both flush and proud mounting configurations through adjustable engagement, and maintains aesthetic appeal with its recessed profile. This multi-functionality allows the same apparatus to be used across different bath designs and fitting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus incorporates adjustable engagement mechanisms that allow dynamic configuration between flush mounting (when fittings are installed) and proud mounting (when fittings are removed or not required). The dependent support portion can engage at different positions, providing design flexibility without compromising user safety.
3Shape
If recesses are moulded into the wall for each fitting, then flush mounting is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is pre-formed with an integrated recessed profile and dependent support portion during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing wall modifications. The flange and support structure are preliminarily configured to achieve flush mounting without requiring complex moulding operations on the bath shell itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Bath fitting mounting apparatus has a wall contacting flange (16) and a fitting support portion (3) which enables a wall mounted bath fitting (18) to be mounted in a wall (1) of a bathing installation such that the fitting is substantially flush with the wall.