Holding device for attaching a functional element to a rod

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for attaching functional elements to shower rods are insecurely attached and prone to sliding or unintentional removal, especially when loaded with heavy items.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a holding element and a separate fixing element that secures the holding element against removal and sliding, featuring a pivotable design allowing movement along the rod in one position and secure attachment in another, with a force-fit mechanism ensuring stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an open clamping device is used for attaching the holding element to the rod, then the holding device can be easily attached and removed, but the holding device is not securely fixed and may slide down unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and removalVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed to be movable between a first position (allowing movement along the rod) and a second position (fixing the holding element against sliding). This dynamic design allows the user to switch between ease of adjustment and secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is divided into separate functional elements: a holding element for carrying the functional element, and a separate fixing element for securing the holding element to the rod. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling easy attachment/removal while providing secure fixation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a fixed clamping device is used to prevent sliding, then the holding device remains securely positioned, but the holding device cannot be adjusted along the rod

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidadjustability along the rod

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed to be movable between a first position (allowing movement along the rod) and a second position (fixing the holding element against sliding). This dynamic design allows the user to switch between ease of adjustment and secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple holding element is used without additional fixing mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but the holding element cannot be securely fixed against removal or sliding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into separate functional elements: a holding element for carrying the functional element, and a separate fixing element for securing the holding element to the rod. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling easy attachment/removal while providing secure fixation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element combines multiple functions: it secures the holding element against removal from the rod, prevents sliding along the rod, and allows controlled movement when needed. By merging these functions into a single element, the design maintains relative simplicity while achieving high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device provides secure attachment and prevents unintentional removal or sliding, allowing easy retrofitting and stable placement of functional elements like shelves on shower rods.

Implementation Method 1

with a force-fit mechanism ensuring stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce-fit mechanism: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4670593A1Holding device for attaching a functional element to a rod

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 IDEAL STANDARD INT

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device for attaching a functional element to a rod (2), in particular for attaching a shelf (1) to a shower rod, comprising: a holding element (3) which can be attached to the rod (2) by a straight-line movement in an application direction (4) orthogonal to an extension direction of the rod (2), a fixing element (5) wherein the fixing element (5) can be attached to the holding element (3), in the state attached to the holding element (3) secures the holding element (3) against removal from the rod (2) contrary to the application direction (4), in the state attached to the holding element (3) can be moved from a movement position to a fixing position and back, and in the fixing position fixes the holding element (3) to the rod (2), wherein the holding element (3) is movable along the rod together with the holding element (3) in the movement position.