Flush-Mounted Housing With Bellows Adjustment Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flush-mounted assemblies face challenges in accommodating different installation depths in walls, leading to overhangs and complex cutting processes, which can result in installation errors and material waste.

Innovation Solution

A flush-mounted housing with a compensating unit, such as a deformable bellows or accordion-like segment, allows for adjustable height to match varying installation depths without additional tools, ensuring a secure and leak-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flush-mounted housing is made with a fixed length, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot accommodate different installation depths and requires complex cutting processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different installation depthsVSAvoidcomplexity of cutting processes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows segment is designed as a deformable, dynamic structure that can expand and contract axially to accommodate different installation depths. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for fixed-length housings and complex cutting processes, allowing the same housing to adapt to various wall thicknesses and installation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The length of the flush-mounted housing is made variable through the bellows mechanism, which changes its axial dimension based on installation requirements. This parameter change capability allows the housing to adapt to different installation depths without requiring cutting or additional tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flush-mounted housing is cut to length using saw or cutting knife, then it can fit different installation depths, but the production technology becomes complicated and material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit to installation depthVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of cutting the housing to fit different depths, the bellows segment dynamically adjusts its length to match the required installation depth. This eliminates material waste by avoiding cutting operations entirely, as the same housing can be deployed in various depths without removal of material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows structure inherently provides the length adjustment function that previously required external cutting tools and processes. The housing serves its own adjustment needs through its deformable structure, eliminating the need for separate cutting operations and reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of substance

If the flush-mounted housing is made adjustable to different depths, then material waste is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows segment utilizes a flexible, corrugated structure that provides adjustable length while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible shell design achieves depth adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic deformability of the bellows structure provides a simple yet effective means of adjustment. Rather than complex mechanical systems, the inherent flexibility of the bellows allows it to adapt to different depths, achieving adjustability with minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If cutting tools are used to adjust the housing length, then installation depth variation is possible, but additional tools and installation steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to installation depthVSAvoidnumber of installation steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows structure inherently provides the adjustment capability without requiring external cutting tools. The housing adjusts to different installation depths through its own deformable structure, eliminating the need for additional tools and simplifying the installation process to a single step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the installation process, eliminates material waste, and ensures a secure, leak-tight seal by allowing the flush-mounted housing to adjust to different installation depths without the need for cutting, thereby improving installation quality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The deformation segment can be plastically or elastically deformed in the depth direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

The deformation segment can be plastically or elastically deformed in the depth direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3263780B1Built in construction group
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 GROHE AG
  • EP3263780B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3263780B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3263780B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a concealed assembly, in particular a concealed sanitary fitting, for installation on a wall (11), comprising a concealed housing (7), in particular made of plastic, which encloses the concealed assembly and which, during concealed installation, can be inserted into a mounting recess (9) of the wall (11) in a depth direction (y). According to the invention, the concealed housing (7) has an adjustment unit (37) with which the installation height (h) of the concealed housing (7) can be adjusted in the depth direction (y), so that during concealed installation the installation height (h) of the concealed housing (7) can be adapted to an installation depth (Δy) of the mounting recess (9) of the wall (11).