Modular Wall Block for Flexible Water Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water pipe connection devices require separate wall blocks for each combination of water pipe diameters and connection distributions, making on-site adaptation difficult and necessitating intermediate pieces or adapters.
Innovation Solution
A compact H-shaped base body with two receptacles allows for varying connection diameters and arrangements, enabling different combinations of connection dimensions and positions through a tongue and groove connection and securing element, with optional fastening strips for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate wall blocks are provided for each combination of water pipe diameters and connection distributions, then connection precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall block is divided into a base body and a separate insertable part. The base body contains receiving spaces that can accommodate different insertable parts with various connection arrangements. This segmentation allows one base body to support multiple connection configurations by simply changing the insertable part, thereby improving adaptability without increasing the number of complete wall block variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed with universal receiving spaces that can accept multiple types of insertable parts. Each insertable part can be configured with different connection diameters, positions, and arrangements. This universal design enables a single base body to serve multiple connection purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized wall blocks for each connection type.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed connection positions are used in wall blocks, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability at construction sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a fixed base body with precise receiving spaces and variable insertable parts. The base body maintains fixed, precisely manufactured receiving spaces, while the insertable parts provide the variability needed for different connection configurations. This allows manufacturing precision to be maintained in the base body while achieving adaptability through the interchangeable insertable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a completely fixed connection arrangement to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The insertable parts can be selectively inserted into different receiving spaces or oriented in different directions, allowing the connection arrangement to be dynamically adjusted at the construction site while maintaining precise positioning through the engineered receiving spaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate wall blocks are used for different connections, then connection precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions that would traditionally require separate wall blocks are merged into a single integrated wall block system. The base body combines multiple receiving spaces and structural support, while insertable parts provide additional connection points. This merging reduces the number of separate components to be installed and connected, simplifying the installation process while maintaining precise connection positions through the engineered receiving spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall block is segmented into modular components (base body and insertable parts) that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of each component while simplifying installation, as the components are designed to be easily fitted together through the receiving spaces and connection interfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device has a foamed wall brick (3) comprising two foamed parts (4, 5) for accommodating two cold and hot water supply lines (1) and a drain pipe (2), respectively. One of the parts has two accommodators (6) into which the other part is alternatively insertable. The foamed parts are assembled with a groove-spring connection between the accommodators and the latter part, where the connection forms a guide (7). A securing element secures opposite storage of the foamed parts, and the former part is formed by an H-shaped base body.