Method for erecting a bath or shower tray support by means of height adjustment means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for erecting bathtub or shower tray supports require careful vertical alignment and secure anchoring, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in floor-level shower areas.

Innovation Solution

A bath or shower tray support made of particle foam with integrated height adjustment means, allowing pre-adjustment of the installation position using two-component foam as the primary anchor, which simplifies vertical alignment and secure anchoring by embedding the support in the foam before curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anchoring methods are used for bathtub or shower tray supports, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment means allow the support to be pre-adjusted to the desired installation position before the two-component foam is applied and cured. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments after anchoring, while the foam provides secure anchoring during and after the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Two-component foam serves as an intermediary substance that simultaneously provides both anchoring function and positioning stability during installation. The foam fills the space between the support and substrate, creating a secure bond while allowing the height adjustment means to maintain precise positioning during the curing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If vertical alignment is ensured through careful adjustment, then installation precision is improved, but the complexity of the installation process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical alignmentVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment means provide dynamic adjustability during the installation process, allowing the support to be easily positioned at the desired height and angle. The adjustable elements can be modified before the foam cures, enabling precise vertical alignment without complex installation procedures. Once anchored, the system becomes stable and fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment means are designed to be operable from the top side of the support, allowing installers to make adjustments without needing to access the underside or lift the heavy support. The system serves itself by providing intuitive, tool-friendly adjustment mechanisms that simplify the alignment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the support is made adjustable for height, then adaptability to different installation positions is improved, but the structural complexity of the support increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment function is segmented into separate, modular adjustment means that are integrated into the support structure. These can be individual adjustable legs, threaded rods, or sliding mechanisms positioned at specific locations on the support. This segmentation allows height adjustment without requiring complex overall restructuring of the entire support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment means serve multiple functions: they provide height adjustment, facilitate easy positioning during installation, and can serve as reference points for alignment. The same structural elements that provide adjustment capability also contribute to the overall stability and anchoring of the support when combined with the two-component foam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 and device simplify the installation process by allowing pre-adjustment of the tray support's position without lifting it during height adjustment, ensuring secure anchoring and vertical alignment, particularly suitable for floor-level installations.

Implementation Method 1

providing the substrate and/or the bath or shower tray support on its underside with a sufficient amount of two-component foam (assembly foam) and placing the bath or shower tray support on the substrate and pressing it down until the height adjustment means are in contact with the substrate so that the installation position of the bath or shower tray support is fixed by the assembly foam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3981303B1Method for erecting a bath or shower tray support by means of height adjustment means
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 KUNST SCHEDEL
  • EP3981303B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3981303B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3981303B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for installing a bath or shower tray support, comprising a one- or multi-part bath or shower tray support (11) made of particle foam, such as EPS or EPP, foamed with a bulk density between 20 g/l and 90 g/l and having a substantially closed cover side (12) for covering with tiles or another surface covering, wherein the bath or shower tray support (11) has height adjustment means (14) on a bottom side (13) opposite the cover side (12) in order to pre-adjust the installation position of the bath or shower tray support (11), comprising the following steps: - providing the bath or shower tray support (11), - adjusting the bath or shower tray support on a substrate to set the desired installation position,- Applying a sufficient quantity of two-component foam (assembly foam) to the underside of the substrate and/or the bathtub or shower tray support (11) and - placing the bathtub or shower tray support on the substrate and pressing it down until the height adjustment means are in contact with the substrate, so that the installation position of the bathtub or shower tray support is fixed by the assembly foam and the height adjustment means (14) do not have a load-bearing function with regard to later use of the bathtub or shower tray support, but the load is borne by the hardened two-component foam.