Kit for a tension frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tub support systems for bathtubs and shower trays are complex to assemble, require significant space during transport and storage, are often expensive, and lack versatility, particularly failing to provide adequate support for freestanding bathtubs and high-lying tub edges without necessitating wall attachment.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising upright profiles with height-adjustable foot connections, upper transverse connection profiles, soundproofing feet, and wall panels that can be easily assembled on-site to form a closed support frame, providing comprehensive support for tubs of various shapes and sizes without requiring a base plate or wall attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tub supports are screwed to the side of building walls, then the support system is stable, but the sound decoupling from the wall is relatively expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: upright profiles, transverse connection profiles, wall panels, and individual soundproofing feet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled on-site, reducing the complexity of pre-integrated wall-mounted systems while maintaining stability through modular connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Soundproofing feet are introduced as intermediary elements between the support frame and the floor/wall surfaces. These feet provide sound decoupling functionality without requiring complex wall attachment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving both stability and sound isolation.
2Reliability
If prefabricated base elements with metal frames and rigid foam panels are used, then self-supporting capability and sound insulation are improved, but space during transport or storage and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is segmented into separate components (upright profiles, transverse profiles, wall panels) that can be transported and stored in a compact, disassembled state. These segments are assembled on-site to form the complete self-supporting structure, significantly reducing transport and storage volume compared to pre-assembled units while maintaining the self-supporting capability through proper structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pre-assembled unit to a dynamic, adaptable structure that can be configured on-site. The height-adjustable foot connection devices and modular assembly allow the support system to adapt to different installation conditions, providing self-supporting capability without requiring large pre-fabricated units.
3Ease of operation
If modular bases with profiles and connecting elements are used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but stability for bathtubs with rim 35 cm or more above the floor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upright profiles are prepared in advance with integrated foot connection devices and predetermined connection points. This preliminary preparation enables flexible on-site assembly while ensuring that the structural components are pre-configured to provide adequate stability, even for high-lying tub edges, through proper structural design and connection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates height-adjustable foot connection devices that allow modification of the support height and position. This parameter adjustment capability enables the frame to achieve adequate stability for various tub configurations, including those with rim heights of 35 cm or more, while maintaining assembly flexibility through on-site adjustment.
4Ease of manufacture
If tub supports are manufactured at the factory as complete units, then assembly simplicity is improved, but transport and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is manufactured as segmented modular components rather than complete units. These segments (upright profiles, transverse profiles, wall panels, soundproofing feet) occupy significantly less transport and storage space while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized connection interfaces and clear assembly instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual components are pre-manufactured with integrated connection features, connection points, and mounting interfaces during factory production. This preliminary preparation of components ensures that on-site assembly remains simple and straightforward while avoiding the need to transport and store large, pre-assembled units.
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 solution enables self-supporting tub installations that are cost-effective, space-efficient, and adaptable to different tub configurations, including freestanding setups, while ensuring sound insulation and ease of assembly, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
several soundproofing feet (50) that can be attached to the foot connection devices
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
Kit for a tub support (1), comprising: several upright profiles (10, 11, 12), each with an upper and a lower end and with a height-adjustable foot connection device integrated in the upright profile (10, 11, 12), arranged at the lower end, wherein the upright profiles (10, 11, 12) comprise a plurality of corner upright profiles (11) and optionally a plurality of intermediate upright profiles (12); several upper transverse connection profiles (20, 21, 22) for connecting the upper ends of the upright profiles (10, 11, 12) to form a closed support frame and for forming a support surface for a tub edge; a plurality of wall panels (40) which can be fastened or received on the longitudinal sides of the upright profiles (10, 11, 12) and the upper cross-connection profiles (20, 21, 22); several soundproofing feet (50) that can be attached to the foot connection devices; and at least one support device (60) for supporting a tub floor; wherein in the assembled state the multiple upright profiles (10, 11, 12) are aligned vertically and the multiple corner upright profiles (11) and optionally the multiple intermediate upright profiles (12) arranged between corner upright profiles (11) form intermediate upright profiles (12) which at their upper ends over the multiple, im assembled state horizontally aligned, upper cross-connection profiles (20, 21, 22) are connected to the closed support frame; wherein, in the assembled state, the several wall panels (40, 41, 42) for forming side walls of the tub support (1) are received between the upright profiles (10, 11, 12) and the upper cross-connection profiles (20, 21, 22) of the support frame and are connected to the upright profiles (10, 11, 12) and the cross-connection profiles (20, 21, 22) are firmly connected; in the mounted state, a sound-insulating foot (50) is mounted on each foot connection device (13); and wherein the at least one support device (60) for supporting the tub floor is arranged within the support frame.