Movable Duct Fixing Collar for Sanitary Frame Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of built-in sanitary installations is complex due to reduced accessibility, diversity of configurations, and the number of parts used, making it difficult to facilitate the fixing of pipes and alignment with the drainage network.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with movable duct fixing elements that form a collar for easy assembly and adjustment, allowing for independent movement and locking of duct elements on a support frame, enabling flexible positioning and connection to the drainage network without requiring the frame to be moved during gluing and fixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the support frame is fixed in position during installation, then the structural stability is improved, but the accessibility for pipe fixing and alignment is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility for pipe fixing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is divided into two separate elements (first collar element and second collar element) that can move independently relative to each other along the support frame. This segmentation allows the installer to access and position the pipe between the two elements without needing to move the entire support frame, thereby maintaining structural stability while improving accessibility during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar elements are designed to be movable along the support frame rather than fixed. The first and second collar elements can slide independently to different positions, allowing dynamic adjustment during the installation process to accommodate pipe alignment requirements while the support frame remains stationary and stable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are used for duct fixing, then the adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to configurationsVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar elements are designed with universal functionality to accommodate different pipe diameters and configurations. The same first and second collar elements can adapt to various duct sizes and orientations through their independent movement along the support frame, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixing components for different configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the functions of multiple potential fixing components into a single integrated collar system. The first and second collar elements working together replace what would traditionally require separate fixing devices, brackets, and fasteners, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the collar elements are fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation during installation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollar positioning precisionVSAvoidadjustability during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collar elements are designed with movable characteristics that allow adjustment during installation while maintaining precise positioning when installed. The elements can slide along the support frame to accommodate alignment variations, then be secured at the desired position, combining ease of operation with manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collar elements are pre-designed with guide features and positioning mechanisms that ensure precise alignment during the adjustment process. This preliminary design of positioning features allows the elements to be easily adjusted to the correct position while maintaining high manufacturing precision in the final installed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3067477B1Attachment device for supporting frame, attachment assembly including such a device and a method for attachment to a supporting frame
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 RACCORDS & PLASTIQUES NICOLL SA
  • EP3067477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3067477B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3067477B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A fixing device comprising a fixing plate (20) for mounting on a support frame, and a fixing means (30) for a drain pipe, comprising at least one first pipe fixing element (32a) and a second pipe fixing element (32b), the first and second pipe fixing elements (32a and 32b) being movably mounted on the fixing plate (20), the first and second pipe fixing elements (32a, 32b) being able to assume a fixing position in which the first and second pipe fixing elements (32a, 32b) form a pipe fixing collar, and at least one open position. A fixing method, a fixing element, and a fixing assembly for concealed sanitary installations are also offered.