Intermediate Holder With Formed Lugs for Sanitary Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermediate holders for sanitary outlet fittings require two ring seals, leading to potential leaks and increased costs, and involve time-consuming processing steps like milling threads, which complicates the attachment of sanitary functional units like aerators.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate holder made from a strip of material with forming lugs designed as internal threads for external threads on sanitary functional units, allowing for easy and quick attachment without the need for internal threads in the outlet fitting, using a sheet metal ring with fastening claws for secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two ring seals are used in existing intermediate holders, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of seals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing function with the fastening function by integrating the seal into the single fastening lug structure. The seal is positioned within the lug's engagement features, allowing one component to perform both sealing and mechanical fastening tasks that previously required separate elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening lug is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical fastening and sealing. The lug incorporates seal engagement features and positioning structures, making it a universal component that replaces the need for separate sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If thread milling is performed on outlet fittings, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The thread features are pre-formed on the fastening lug during its manufacturing process, rather than requiring thread milling of the outlet fitting during installation. This preliminary preparation of threading on the fastening component eliminates time-consuming machining operations at the installation stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating threads in the outlet fitting (the traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by providing pre-formed thread features on the fastening lug itself. This reversal transfers the threading function from the stationary fitting to the movable fastening component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If multiple processing steps are used for intermediate holder attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional features on the fastening lug: engagement features for mechanical interlocking, seal engagement features for sealing, and thread features for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastening lug component. The lug combines mechanical engagement, sealing, and threading functions that would traditionally require multiple separate components and assembly steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

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

This solution enables reliable, leak-free attachment of sanitary functional units with reduced production effort and cost, eliminating the need for multiple seals and complex thread milling, while ensuring firm and permanent holding with easy detachment for maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

verbogendbereik, which connects the holding tabs and the fastening tabs at one end and whose flag end projects beyond the outer circumference of the strip at its other free end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3117046B1Intermediate holder

Publication Date: 2020.03.04 NEOPERL GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to an intermediate holder (3) which on the external circumference thereof has at least one holding means (5) for fastening the intermediate holder (3) in a water outlet (4) of a sanitary outlet fitting (1), and on the internal circumference thereof at least one fastening means (6) for releasably fastening a sanitary functional unit (2). One approach to a solution according to the invention provides that the intermediate holder (3) is manufactured from one material strip and the holding means and fastening means (5, 6) of said intermediate holder (3) are configured as formed lugs of the material strip that at the one lug end of said lugs by way of a bent region are connected to the material strip and that by way of the opposite other free lug end of said lugs protrude beyond the circumference of the material strip.