Macerator Docking Station for Front-Access Plumbing Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of a macerator in a building is complex due to the need for precise positioning and connection of water, drain, and electrical services, which often requires advanced plumbing skills and complicates servicing.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a base plate and back plate that positions the macerator unit accurately, featuring vertically oriented connectors for water and drain connections, guides for precise alignment, and a removable back plate for easy access and servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water supply and drain connections are positioned at the rear of the macerator unit, then the connections are structurally integrated, but the connectors become obstructed and inaccessible for installation and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the water supply and drain connectors from the rear of the macerator unit to the front, changing the spatial dimension of connection access. This dimensional shift allows connectors to be accessible from the front during installation and servicing, eliminating the obstruction problem while maintaining structural integration through the docking station design
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional template-based positioning is used, then fixing holes can be drilled, but precise positioning of the macerator unit is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates pre-positioned guide bars and alignment features that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These preliminary positioning elements guide the macerator unit into precise alignment during installation, eliminating the need for complex template-based hole drilling and ensuring accurate positioning without requiring advanced installation skills
3Ease of repair
If the back plate is fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but servicing and replacement of the macerator unit is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is designed with removable or adjustable characteristics, transforming it from a static fixed structure to a dynamic component that can be easily detached or repositioned. This allows the macerator unit to be quickly removed for servicing or replacement while maintaining structural stability during normal operation, and enables easy reinstallation by simply reattaching the back plate
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for docking a macerator comprises a base plate with a back plate extending upwards from a back edge of the base plate. A drain pipe extends from the back plate to a drain connector for engaging with a drain outlet of the macerator and a water pipe extends from the back plate to a water connector for engaging with a water supply inlet of the macerator.