Glazing Layer Fixation on Ceramic Sanitary Ware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing parts on ceramic sanitary ware, such as sensors or illumination components, fail to prevent water contact and ensure hygiene due to mechanical or adhesive issues, leading to part detachment and dirt accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a glazing layer that melts and crystallizes during the firing process to securely fix parts on ceramic sanitary ware, eliminating gaps and preventing dirt accumulation by forming a bond between the part and the ceramic surface, regardless of the part's position relative to the glazing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If mechanical methods or adhesive bonding are used to fix parts on ceramic sanitary ware, then the parts can be positioned on the surface, but the fixation is not robust and parts may detach due to chemical or physical wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of glass material from solid to liquid and back to solid during the firing process. The glass layer is applied in solid form, melts into a liquid state during firing to penetrate and bond with both the ceramic substrate and the part, then re-solidifies to create a strong, durable fixation that withstands chemical and physical wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure consisting of three materials: the ceramic sanitary ware substrate, the glass fixation layer, and the part to be fixed. This composite approach combines the advantages of each material - the ceramic provides structural integrity, the glass provides bonding and sealing, and the part maintains its original properties while being securely attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If parts are fixed on the ceramic surface using conventional methods, then positioning is possible, but gaps form between the part and ceramic surface allowing dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning easeVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The glass layer's phase transition from solid to liquid during firing allows it to flow into and fill any gaps or voids between the part and the ceramic surface. Upon cooling and re-solidification, this creates a seamless, gap-free interface that prevents dirt accumulation while maintaining easy positioning during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The glass layer acts as an intermediary material between the ceramic substrate and the part. It not only provides fixation but also creates a smooth, continuous surface that eliminates gaps, thereby serving as a barrier against dirt accumulation in the mounting region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If parts are fixed on ceramic sanitary ware using conventional methods, then mounting is achieved, but water contact is not prevented compromising hygiene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidwater contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The glass layer's melting and re-solidification process creates a dense, non-porous bond that seals the interface between the part and ceramic surface. This sealed interface prevents water penetration while the glass material itself provides a smooth, non-porous surface that is inherently resistant to water and easy to clean, maintaining hygiene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The glass layer forms a thin, continuous film or shell between the part and the ceramic substrate. This film acts as a waterproof barrier that prevents water contact while allowing the part to be mounted in various positions during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Strength

If mechanical fixation methods are used, then parts can be attached, but the sealing between part and ceramic surface is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidsealing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The glass layer's transition to liquid state during firing allows it to flow and conform precisely to the interface between the part and ceramic surface, creating a perfect seal. Upon cooling, it solidifies into a strong, sealed bond that simultaneously achieves both high attachment strength and precise sealing without requiring post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 method ensures robust fixation of parts without water contact, maintains hygiene, and prevents dirt accumulation, providing a stable and sealed integration of components on ceramic sanitary ware.

Implementation Method 1

a glazing layer that melts and crystallizes during the firing process to securely fix parts on ceramic sanitary ware

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

a glazing layer that melts and crystallizes during the firing process to securely fix parts on ceramic sanitary ware

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP3394005B1A method for fixing a part on the surface of a ceramic sanitary ware and a ceramic sanitary ware on which said part is fixed
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ECZACIBASI HLDG ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3394005B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3394005B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3394005B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for fixing a part on the surface of a ceramic sanitary ware and a ceramic sanitary ware comprising said part. Owing to the method developed within the scope of the invention, the necessity to adhere or secure via mechanical means, on a ceramic sanitary ware, a part (1) with any property, which is to be positioned on the ceramic sanitary ware (2), has been eliminated and said part has been fixed on the surface of the ceramic sanitary ware during the process of firing the ceramic sanitary ware together with said part and also a product enabling the hygienic use has been obtained.