Method for mounting a shower tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of heavy ceramic shower trays is challenging due to their weight, requiring multiple people and being difficult to adjust for horizontal and vertical alignment, especially in corner or U-shaped areas, where space constraints limit simultaneous work by installers.
Innovation Solution
A method using temporary wedge-shaped mounting structures with adjustable height and anti-sliding features, allowing the tray to be tilted and repositioned for precise alignment, and a support system that can be securely attached to the floor or the tray itself, facilitating solo installation and protecting the tray during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shower trays are positioned on adjustable feet for alignment, then horizontal and vertical alignment is improved, but the difficulty of adjusting alignment after positioning increases due to heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing adjustable feet with indication means that show the correct position before the tray is fully positioned. The installer can pre-set the feet to the correct height and position, then simply lower the tray into place without needing to make difficult adjustments afterward. This resolves the contradiction by making alignment preparation easy while achieving precise final positioning.
2Ease of operation
If two persons are used to install the tray, then the load on each person is reduced, but the difficulty of adjusting the location of the tray increases due to space constraints in corner or U-shape areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the shower tray with integrated lifting aids and positioning features that allow a single installer to maneuver and position the tray independently. The tray's own structure is utilized to facilitate its installation, eliminating the need for a second person and resolving the space constraint issue in corner installations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the height of feet is adjusted for alignment, then vertical alignment relative to drain outlet is improved, but the time and effort required for correct positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical adjustment process with a simplified system using indication means on the adjustable feet. These indications provide visual guidance for the correct height setting, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial-and-error adjustments and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining precise vertical alignment.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2~3b
AI summary
A method for mounting a shower tray is provided, as well as a mounting structure and a package support.