Modular Plumbing Panel for Pre-Assembled Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of plumbing fixtures like sinks and toilets is laborious and costly due to the need for on-site assembly of pipes, as existing brackets can only hold one pipe at a time, requiring precise positioning of multiple pipes which is time-consuming and expensive for plumbers.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing support panel with pre-drilled holes for correct pipe positioning, allowing for offsite assembly of outlet pipes as a unit, which can be easily mounted to a building structure and connected to the plumbing system, using pipe clamps and grommets for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipes are secured to the structure using existing brackets and straps during installation, then the pipes can be held in place, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and laborious due to the need for precise positioning of multiple pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling multiple pipes on a support panel at predetermined positions before installation. The pipes are positioned and secured to the panel in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site positioning and alignment during actual installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate pipe installation tasks into a single integrated unit. By combining multiple pipes onto one support panel with predetermined spacing, the installation process treats them as a single assembly, reducing the number of separate positioning operations required.
2Manufacturing precision
If plumbers install outlet pipes on location with temporary fixtures, then the pipes can be positioned correctly, but the installation becomes expensive due to hourly charging
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel allows pipe assemblies to be manufactured with precise spacing in advance at a factory setting. This preliminary precision manufacturing eliminates the need for expensive on-site adjustments and repositioning by plumbers, reducing labor costs while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the plumbing system into modular pipe assemblies that can be independently manufactured and tested before installation. Each assembly is a self-contained unit with pre-positioned pipes, making installation simpler and less costly while ensuring precision.
3Measurement precision
If standard plumbing fixtures require precise positioning of multiple pipes at predetermined distances, then the fixture installation is accurate, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel merges multiple pipe positioning operations into a single pre-fabricated unit. The panel contains multiple mounting locations at standard predetermined distances, allowing all pipes to be installed simultaneously as one unit rather than individually, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panel is designed with universal mounting locations that accommodate standard plumbing fixtures at various predetermined distances. This multi-functional panel can serve different fixture types without requiring custom fabrication, speeding up installation while maintaining precise spacing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing plumbing in a building, comprising the use of a plumbing support panel that enables outlet pipes and other plumbing pipes to be pre-assembled at the correct relative position with respect to each other for the installation of fixtures, and installed as a unit by mounting the panel to studs or to other parts of a building's structure. The panel comprises holes through which outlet pipes may be installed and mounting holes for the installation of pipe clamps to hold the pipes in place and for the mounting of the panel to a building's structure.