On-Wall Shower Mounting System with Eccentric Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower plumbing systems are difficult and expensive to modify, especially when converting to an on-wall shower system, as they require disturbing the shower wall structure and finish, which is aesthetically undesirable and costly due to the need for skilled trades.
Innovation Solution
An on-wall shower mounting system that includes a tubular main body with an adjustable supply/shower arm connection, a diverter valve, and a main hub, allowing for lateral and axial adjustments to accommodate existing valve positions without disturbing the shower wall, using a standard existing valve body and allowing for the addition of features like a hand shower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the shower system is converted to an on-wall configuration, then the aesthetic appearance and ease of installation are improved, but the adaptability to accommodate existing valve positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supply elbow connector incorporates an eccentric arrangement with rotational adjustment capability, allowing the outlet tube to be dynamically repositioned to accommodate various lateral offsets between the upper supply connection and lower main control valve. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to adapt to different existing valve positions while maintaining the on-wall aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides adjustable parameters including lateral offset compensation through eccentric connector rotation and axial length adjustment of the lower tube section. These parameter changes allow the installer to customize the connection geometry to match existing valve positions, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the supply elbow connector uses an eccentric arrangement for lateral adjustment, then the adaptability to offset positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply elbow connector is segmented into distinct functional components: an eccentric arrangement portion for lateral adjustment and a lower tube section for axial adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific adjustment function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower tube section is made trimmable to accommodate distance variations, then the adaptability to different valve positions is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lower tube section is designed as a trimmable component that can be dynamically adjusted in length by the installer during installation. This dynamic length adjustment capability allows the system to accommodate various distances between connection points without requiring high manufacturing precision for fixed-length tubes.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-wall shower system that is configured to be retrofit to existing in-wall shower plumbing. To assist in installation, the on-wall shower system provides for adjustability of an upper amount, for adjustably of a lower mount, and/or for axial height adjustment.