Pivoting Sanitary Fixture Frame for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for height-adjustable sanitary facilities, such as toilets and washbasins, often have complex and difficult-to-maintain designs, with technical components hard to access and prone to contamination, leading to maintenance challenges and material fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a bracket for attaching the sanitary facility to a frame system with an electrical adjustment drive, allowing the frame to swivel for improved maintenance access. The device includes a vertical cover plate and a veneering plate for aesthetic appeal and easy disassembly during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the device is permanently mounted to the building with a fixed frame, then the sanitary fixture remains stable and securely positioned, but technical components on the rear of the frame become difficult to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the first frame pivotable relative to the second frame through a hinge connection. This allows the frame to transition from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position, enabling maintenance personnel to access technical components on the rear of the frame by pivoting the first frame outward, while maintaining stable mounting when in the closed position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If collapsible hoses are used for inlet and outlet connections, then the device can accommodate height adjustments, but the hoses experience material fatigue and must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells principle by using flexible hoses for the inlet and outlet connections that can accommodate the vertical movement of the sanitary fixture during height adjustment. The flexible nature of these hoses allows them to bend and flex without breaking, eliminating the material fatigue problem associated with rigid piping while maintaining reliable connections.
3Ease of repair
If the frame is designed with an open construction for maintenance access, then components are more accessible, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the frame into two separate frames: a first frame that supports the sanitary fixture and can be pivoted open for maintenance, and a second fixed frame that provides structural support and aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows the first frame to be opened for access to technical components while the second frame maintains the visual integrity and aesthetic design of the overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for the linear movement of a sanitary fixture (1), such as a washbasin or toilet, is proposed, comprising a bracket (2) for mounting the sanitary fixture (1), a first frame (3), and a second frame (4). The bracket (2) is linearly movably mounted on the first frame (3), and an electric actuator (5) engages the first frame (3) on one side and the bracket (2) on the other. The second frame (4) is provided with fastening elements for its anchoring to the building structure and surrounds the first frame (3). To improve maintenance and accessibility of the sanitary fixture components on the building-facing side of the first frame (3), the first frame (3) is pivotally mounted on the second frame (4) via a hinge (6) with a vertical axis (7).