Modular Sanitary Mounting Frame with Removable Decorative Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly devices for sanitary bodies, such as water closets and urinals, face challenges in complex and time-consuming repair processes due to the need to remove tiles for maintenance, and storage complexities arise from custom-made furniture shells for each object.

Innovation Solution

A generic assembly device where the decorative element is supported by the edge of a recess on the assembly frame, allowing easy weight transfer and secure attachment, with fasteners pressing the element onto the mounting frame for stable and removable installation, and using few parts for cost-effective manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a cover made of plasterboard and tiles is used, then the decorative appearance is improved, but the repair process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecorative appearanceVSAvoidrepair process
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into modular components: a base structure and removable decorative panels (first and second decorative elements). These panels can be independently removed without damaging the underlying structure, enabling easy repair and maintenance while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cover have different properties: the base structure provides structural support while the decorative panels provide aesthetic function. The decorative panels can be made from various materials (glass, metal, wood, stone) with different surfaces and colors, allowing localized customization without affecting the entire cover structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If custom-made furniture shells are manufactured for each object, then the fit and appearance are improved, but storage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit and appearanceVSAvoidstorage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting frame and base structure serve as a universal platform that can accommodate different decorative panels for various sanitary objects (washbasins, toilets, bidets). The standardized mounting system allows the same base structure to be used across different applications, reducing storage requirements while maintaining custom-fit appearance.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing entirely custom furniture shells for each object, the invention uses a standardized base structure that is copied and reused, with only the decorative panels being varied to match different objects and design requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Stability of the object's composition

If the decorative element is securely attached to the mounting frame, then the stability is improved, but the ease of removal for maintenance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from static permanent fixation to dynamic reversible connection. Fastening means allow the decorative panels to be securely attached during normal use (providing stability) but can be easily released when maintenance is needed (providing removability), adapting the connection strength based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2439348B1Fitting device for a toilet bowl
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP2439348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2439348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2439348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The mounting device has a mounting frame (2) which includes means for attaching the sanitary body. A cover (14, 15, 26) is arranged on the mounting frame (2), which conceals the mounting frame (2) at least on the front. The cover (14, 15, 26) has at least one first decorative element (15) that conceals the mounting frame (2) on the front and is attached to the mounting frame (2), and at least one second decorative element (26) that conceals the top of the mounting frame (2). The second decorative element (26) forms a removable lid for a cistern (5) mounted in the mounting frame (2). Preferably, the cover (14, 15, 26) has at least two further decorative elements (14) that conceal the mounting frame (2) on the sides.