Partition-Mounted Pipe Connection Device with Expansion Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for water supply pipes and sanitary appliances require multiple drilling operations to fix the devices to partitions, making the installation process lengthy and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A connection device that can be pre-assembled in the partition holes, immobilized by axial movement of expansion rings, eliminating the need for hollow body anchors and simplifying the installation process through adhesion and radial expansion for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hollow anchors are used to secure the mounting plate to the partition wall, then the device is firmly fixed, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion rings are pre-installed on the mounting plate before the device is positioned in the partition hole. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate anchor installation steps, as the rings are already in position to expand and lock the device when activated
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion rings perform the anchoring function automatically through their own expansion mechanism. When axially displaced, they radially expand to engage with the partition wall, creating their own secure fixation without requiring separate hollow anchors or additional fastening components
2Reliability
If multiple drilling operations are performed to install hollow anchors, then secure fixation is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the hollow anchor component from the system. The expansion rings directly perform the anchoring function that previously required separate hollow anchors, simplifying the overall device structure and installation process while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate and expansion rings are combined into an integrated assembly where the rings are pre-mounted on the plate. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate anchor installation steps and reduces the number of parts that need to be handled during installation
3Reliability
If the device is fixed using traditional mounting methods, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process requires multiple drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion rings automatically create their own fixation mechanism by expanding radially when axially displaced. This self-service anchoring eliminates the need for pre-drilled holes for hollow anchors, making installation easier while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion rings change their dimensional parameters by expanding radially when subjected to axial displacement. This parameter change transforms the rings from a compact state during insertion to an expanded locked state against the partition wall, achieving secure attachment without multiple drilling operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quicker and easier installation of the connection device by eliminating the need for multiple drilling operations, ensuring secure adhesion and preventing rotation, while allowing for precise adjustment and compatibility with varying partition thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
axially moving the expansion ring (8). This causes the corners of the corner set (6) to be compressed against a bore in the hole made in the partition, thus locking the device into the hole(s) by friction
Implementation Method 2
locking the device into the hole(s) by friction
Implementation Method 3
This causes the corners of the corner set (6) to be compressed against a bore in the hole made in the partition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
This device (D) allows for the connection of at least one pipe, which is located behind a partition, and a sanitary or household appliance, which is located in front of the partition, this device being intended to be fixed in one or more through holes provided in the partition and comprising at least one fitting (4a, 4b) including a rear part (42) for connection to a free end of the pipe and a front part (44) for connection to the sanitary or household appliance, and a fixing plate (2) for each fitting, which is adapted to be fixed against a front wall of the partition and which delimits at least one orifice (20) for passage for the pipe or one of the two pipes, this orifice defining a central axis (X2a, X2b).The device further comprises at least one set (6a, 6b) of wedges and at least one expansion ring (8a, 8b), of which a central axis (X8a, X8b) is parallel to the central axis of the orifice (20), this ring being axially mobile and being able to push, in its movement, each wedge of the set of wedges in a radial centrifugal direction with respect to the central axis (X8a, X8b) of the ring.